Ras Mubarak's U-turn to support 'NO' vote for December 17 referendum

The Member of Parliament for Kumbungu, Mr Ras Mubarak has made a U-turn to support the 'NO' vote for the December 17 referendum on whether or not to allow political parties to sponsor candidates for district assembly elections.

"Upon a sober reflection and advice from very distinguished senior party members, especially the Parliamentary leadership, I have come to the conclusion that it is improper to deviate from my party’s official position for a NO vote in the upcoming referendum on article 55(3) of constitution," Mr Mubarak wrote in a statement.

He added: "I recognize that my personal position must be subsumed under the broader interest of the party. I have therefore decided to uphold the party’s position for a NO vote on the matter."

The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) summoned Mr Mubarak for defying the party's whip for a 'NO' vote in the December 17 referendum.

According to the General Secretary of the NDC, Mr Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, Mr Mubarak was summoned to clarify his position based on what the party picked from media reports.

Mr Asiedu Nketiah in a radio interview with Accra based Joy FM, monitored by Graphic Online said the party picked information that Mubarak claimed to have taken a position contrary to that of the party on the referendum and therefore the party wanted him to clarify, hence the summons.

"We've heard some position and statements coming out of some media networks alleging that he claims he has taken a position against the party's position, so we want him to clarify those statements, then after that, we will think of what next to do."

To Mr Asiedu Nketiah, after the standard procedure of listening to him, then the party would take the next action.

Official apology

After the party met Mr Mubarak Tuesday evening, he was asked to render an official apology to the National Executive Council.

The demand on the MP followed his contradictory stance against the party’s call on Ghanaians to vote NO at the December 17 referendum.

Ras Mubarak was in the company of the leadership of the Minority caucus when he appeared before party leaders to plead for mercy.

He had been vocal early Tuesday morning declaring he would vote YES at the referendum, flagging his democratic rights.

But a changed Ras Mubarak said he was wrong to oppose his party.

• Related articles: 
• Ras Mubarak defies NDC and endorses ‘YES’ vote for December 17 referendum
• Referendum: 10 reasons why NDC says Ghanaians must vote ‘NO’
• NDC urges NO vote in December referendum to amend the constitution
• NDC, PNC position on referendum betrayal to collective decision — LPG
• Ras Mubarak loses Kumbungu NDC Parliamentary ticket for 2020
• December 17 referendum:NPP appeals to NDC to rescind ‘vote No’ decision
• NDC sees December referendum as 2020 dress rehearsal - NPP
• December 17 Referendum: House of Chiefs stirs controversy
• Why Togbe Afede wants a 'NO' vote in December 17 referendum
• What Nana S.K.B. Asante told National House of Chiefs on December 17 referendum

Writer's email: enoch.frimpong@graphic.com.gh 

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