The Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII), Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC), and the Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) have criticised recent conduct by some candidates and political parties for sharing items to induce prospective voters’ decisions.
In a statement released on Tuesday, December 3, the groups condemned these actions as a breach of Sections 33 and 34 of the Representation of the People Law, 1992 (PNDCL 284), which prohibits the payment of money and the giving of gifts to influence voters’ decisions.
The statement cited the alleged distribution of money and food items by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary candidate for Okaikoi South, Ernest Adomako, as well as the distribution of food items to the Legon Security Guards and the alleged packaged food distribution to voters in queue by the New Patriotic Party (NPP)’s Lydia Alhassan of Ayawaso West Wuogon.
The groups called for swift investigation and prosecution of those responsible.
“We call on Law Enforcement Agencies to investigate the videos in the public space and swiftly ensure those found culpable are made to face the law,” the press statement read.
The groups also urged the media, faith-based organisations, and the larger civil society to engage in robust voter education ahead of the elections on December 7.
“Our three organisations also call on the media, faith-based organisations, and the larger civil society to intensify voter education campaigns, raising awareness of the implications of electoral corruption on the electoral outcomes and the peace and stability of Ghana,” the statement continued.
They opined that these perceived violations, when substantiated, will undermine the principles of fairness, transparency, and accountability essential for a free and fair election.
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