CODEO raises red flag over vote buying in Western, Ashanti and Savannah Regions
Accra, Ghana - Nov 19, 2024 -The Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) has reported instances of politicians distributing money and valuables to sway voters in the Ashanti, Savannah, and Western regions ahead of the December polls.
Key Concerns:
- Vote Buying: CODEO's second report revealed that 10% of observer reports indicated vote buying, with individuals receiving money or valuables to influence their vote.
- Abuse of Incumbency: 11% of observer reports noted the use of public vehicles for campaigning on behalf of incumbent candidates.
Incidents of Abuse:
According to CODEO's report which covers the period from October 26 to November 8, 2024, NPP Parliamentary candidates' flyers were used to brand the government-led District Road Improvement Program (DRIP), blurring the lines between state resources and campaign materials in the Tatale-Sanguli constituency.
“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.”
“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.”
Source: Lead News Online
