NPP Sweden Branch Backs PEC’s Ban on Proxy Voting in 2026 Presidential Primary

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Sweden Branch has voiced its full support for the Presidential Election Committee’s (PEC) decision to prohibit proxy voting in the party’s upcoming presidential primary.

In a statement signed by Chairman Richard Oti-Aboagye, the branch said it believes the PEC’s directive is in the best interest of the party and will enhance the integrity of the electoral process.

“The PEC is composed of experienced individuals who make decisions aimed at strengthening the party. We fully support this directive and see no reason to question it,” Mr. Oti-Aboagye said.

He addressed circulating claims suggesting that all 30 external branches opposed the PEC’s move, describing them as “false and misleading.” According to Mr. Oti-Aboagye, not all branch chairpersons attended the meetings where the petition against proxy voting was proposed, and several have publicly voiced support for the PEC’s decision.

“The notion that all external branches unanimously oppose this directive is simply inaccurate,” he added, emphasizing that meetings of branch chairpersons alone cannot speak for all external branches without proper consultation. “No formal resolution representing all branches or delegates was ever passed regarding this petition,” he noted.

Mr. Oti-Aboagye also highlighted that the PEC was constitutionally established by the National Council with a clear mandate to plan, supervise, and execute the party’s presidential election process. He said requiring separate approval for operational guidelines like the ban on proxy voting would undermine the PEC’s independence and purpose.

The NPP Sweden Branch Chairman explained that banning proxy voting is intended to safeguard electoral integrity and promote uniform participation. “While proxy voting has been convenient in the past, it poses administrative and accountability challenges, including verification of authorizations. If the PEC believes this measure will ensure a credible, transparent, and dispute-free election, it deserves our full support,” he concluded.