Convener for Election Watch Ghana Mr Mark Ewusi Arkoh has strongly condemned acts of vote buying reported during the NDC Ayawaso East primaries, insisting that while the election was generally peaceful, any form of inducement undermines internal party democracy and must be dealt with decisively.
Speaking on Frontline on Rainbow 87.5FM, he noted that the voting process largely went as expected, with no major incidents such as violence or serious misunderstandings that often characterise some primaries.
However, he stressed that the absence of chaos does not mean the election was completely free of wrongdoing.
According to him, as voting progressed, videos and disturbing reports emerged showing individuals allegedly sharing items including television sets, sums of money ranging between GH¢2,000 and GH¢3,000, and even motorcycles to influence voters. He also mentioned reports of smaller inducements such as food items being distributed.
He said that inducement during elections is prohibited by law and remains an offence regardless of the scale.
“In general, inducing people during an election is against the law,” he stated, adding that using money or material items to influence votes is unfair and damages the credibility of the democratic process.
He drew comparisons with similar situations in other political parties (NPP), noting that while parties sometimes rush to defend themselves when accused, it was commendable that some members within the NDC openly condemned such actions. However, he cautioned that condemnation alone is not enough.
“All I am saying is that political parties must follow their own rules,” he stressed. “These rules should not just be written on paper. Parties must stand by their words and take concrete action against those who violate them, whether they are delegates or aspirants.”
He further revealed that reports available indicate that the alleged inducement was not limited to one aspirant but involved several contestants, each in different forms. He described the practice as an insult to party members and grassroots supporters, calling for swift investigations and sanctions.
He urged the Electoral Commission (EC), Criminal Investigation Department (CID), and the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) to work together, stressing that allowing these institutions, especially the OSP, to operate independently would help ensure fairness and accountability.
“The commission must investigate and take action quickly,” he said, adding that firm enforcement of the law is the only way to protect democracy and restore public confidence in internal party elections.
By: Justina Ekua Kwofie/Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
