CODEO calls for laws against vote buying during elections
The Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) has urged law enforcement authorities to enforce laws that ban the growing trend of vote-buying by political figures and voters in Ghana during election periods.
The electoral observer expressed concern over reported instances of vote-buying in some parts of the country, particularly in the Ashanti, Savannah, and Western Regions, which have recorded a high number of cases.
In a statement released on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, and signed by Albert Kofi Arhin, the CODEO National Coordinator, it stated that political figures are giving money and valuables to voters in an attempt to influence their voting decisions.
“Observers also noted instances of vote-buying, with 10% of reports received within the period indicating so. This involved people being given money or valuables to influence their vote. These incidents were observed in some constituencies in the Ashanti, Savannah and Western regions,” parts of the statement read.
CODEO’s report further highlighted concerns about the potential abuse of incumbency by some government appointees during campaign events.
According to the report, these appointees are using state resources to support and facilitate campaign activities on behalf of incumbent candidates.
CODEO further highlighted how these actions create an uneven playing field for independent candidates who are not in government ahead of the elections.
“About 11% of observer reports noted the use of public (state or local) vehicles for campaigning on behalf of an incumbent candidate. For instance, in the Tatale-Sanguli constituency in the Northern Region, the NPP parliamentary candidate’s flyers were used to brand the government-led District Road Improvement Program (DRIP), which saw the distribution of earth-moving equipment to MMDAs for road improvement.
“The campaign flyers of the Tatale Sanguli Member of Parliament and parliamentary candidate for the constituency were seen on the DRIP Program equipment (bulldozer), which was being used to maintain and expand roads in the Sagban community,” the statement noted.
Read CODEO’s full report below:
MAG/AE
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