Why should gov’t choose 3 candidates for us? – John Darko rejects MMDCE selection model
A member of Parliament's Local Government and Rural Development Committee, John Darko, has criticised the government's proposed model for electing Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), arguing that allowing the executive to shortlist candidates defeats the purpose of direct elections.
John Darko, a member of Parliament’s Local Government and Rural Development Committee, has criticized the government's proposed model for selecting Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs). Darko argued that allowing the government to shortlist candidates undermines the purpose of direct elections. On Joy FM’s Top Story, Darko stated that this proposal deviates from the committee's recommendation for an open, non-partisan election process.
He recalled that the NDC opposed the previous NPP government's plan, fearing political party involvement would compromise the non-partisan nature of the election. Darko contended that by screening and shortlisting candidates, the government retains excessive influence over the selection process. He questioned why voters would be limited to choosing from government-approved candidates rather than being allowed to elect any qualified candidate.
Darko emphasized that a truly non-partisan election would allow candidates to campaign on local development priorities rather than national party politics. He warned that involving the executive in determining candidates could turn local government elections into extensions of presidential and parliamentary contests.
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