MANILA, Philippines?Ang Kapatiran Party (AKP), an accredited national political party with the Commission on Elections, is now receiving nominations for president for the 2010 elections. The deadline for nomination is April 30.

Founded by gun control advocate Nandy Pacheco, AKP promotes a platform-based politics with clear and specific policy objectives?all aimed at enhancing the common good and promoting the politics of virtue and of duty, transparency and public accountability, stewardship and good citizenship.

AKP president Eric B. Manalang said, ?this innovative approach or process enables both party members and the general public to nominate a candidate for President.?

The proclamation of the AKP presidential candidate is expected to be on or before the end of May 2009 following a selection process by the party?s national electoral committee.

For short listing purposes, a candidate to be nominated for President must possess the qualifications required by the Constitution; must accept the founding principles and platform of the AKP in whole without any mental reservation; must be morally upright, courageous, and competent individual; responsible citizen and parent; and a trusted leader; must have no previous conviction or pending criminal case in court, in the Ombudsman, or prosecutor?s office; must have a college degree; must accept and abide by the AKP Code of Conduct; and must not spend more than the law allows. The nomination shall be accompanied by the candidate?s most recent photograph.

Meanwhile, AKP continues its nationwide search for local candidates starting from councilors who will run in the May 2010 elections.

?We need candidates for councilors in every town and city under the MMX (2010) project. This is the only way to prepare our youth for greater responsibility,? Manalang said.

The rules for nominating candidates for other positions up to the Vice President will be announced later.