Election Watch Ghana has strongly condemned the Interior Ministry’s directive to close borders during the upcoming elections, describing it as a blatant attempt to undermine democracy and stifle economic activities.
The ministry in a statement issued on Friday, December 6 indicated that the closure which took effect immediately was part of measures to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process.
The borders are scheduled to reopen on Sunday, December 8, 2024.
But Election Watch Ghana argues that border closures are typically associated with coup d’etats, not elections.
“This move reeks of partisanship and a desire to manipulate the electoral process. It’s unacceptable that the Interior Ministry would prioritize political gain over the economic well-being of citizens, particularly when business across Africa is thriving,” the statement read.
Election Watch Ghana has demanded that the Interior Ministry rescind this decision immediately, warning that the closure of borders will not only harm businesses but also infringe upon the constitutional rights of citizens.
The organisation emphasised the importance of respecting the democratic process and allowing citizens to exercise their right to vote without intimidation or coercion.
“Furthermore, we caution against any attempts to deploy military personnel to polling stations, as this would be a gross violation of citizens’ rights. The Interior Ministry must prioritize the safety and well-being of citizens, not the interests of a particular political party,” the statement continued.
Election Watch Ghana urged all citizens to remain vigilant and demand that their rights be respected during the electoral process.
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