NPP-USA votes to use own bylaws for 2026 elections in 20-9 decision

The New Patriotic Party USA Branch (NPP-USA) has decided to conduct its 2026 internal elections using its own bylaws, a move that rejects revised guidelines from the National Executive Committee. The decision came after a virtual meeting on May 27, 2026, where members voted 20-9 in favor of maintaining the NPP-USA Branch Bylaws, last amended in March 2021.

The vote was prompted by a directive from NPP General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong on April 8, 2026, which instructed all external branches to align their elections with the national guidelines. However, NPP-USA members identified four key conflicts between the national rules and their existing bylaws.

These discrepancies include requirements for candidate eligibility (four years of good standing in NPP-USA bylaws versus two years "known and active" in national guidelines), voter eligibility (one year of good standing versus two years "known and active"), election mode (electronic voting prior to conference versus in-person or official NPP e-voting platform), and the composition of the elections committee (five members in NPP-USA bylaws versus three nationally).

During the meeting, members debated various positions, with some emphasizing the supremacy of the Branch Bylaws and the need to follow amendment procedures. Others stressed respect for the National Party's authority. Ultimately, the committee agreed that existing bylaws remain binding until formally amended. The secretariat is tasked with communicating this decision respectfully to the National Party in Ghana, aiming to maintain institutional harmony.