The Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) has raised concerns over incidents of incumbency abuse by the ruling political party in their campaigns for the 2024 general election.
In its second Pre-Election Observation Report, covering October 26 to November 8, 2024, CODEO flagged the use of state resources, including government-owned vehicles, for campaign activities.
The report noted that approximately 11% of observer accounts indicated the use of public vehicles to support incumbent candidates.
The election monitoring group called on stakeholders to uphold fairness in the electoral process, emphasizing the need for robust civic and voter education, issue-based campaigning, and a commitment to peaceful elections.
CODEO also urged political actors to refrain from incumbency abuse and vote-buying practices as the December 7 elections approach.
“Observers noted instances of potential abuse of incumbency by incumbent candidates or appointees of the government. 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 candidates’ 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 press release stated.
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