US justifies visa restrictions on Election saboteurs

Accra, Ghana - Nov 6, 2024 - The United States has announced a new visa restriction policy targeting individuals who undermine democratic processes in Ghana, ahead of the country's December 7 polls.

US Ambassador to Ghana, Virginia Palmer, explained that the policy aims to prevent those who manipulate or rig the electoral process, use violence to intimidate citizens, or suppress freedoms of association and peaceful assembly from entering the US..

Who's Affected?

The policy, pursuant to Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, applies to individuals who:

- Manipulate or rig the electoral process
- Use violence to intimidate, coerce or prevent people from exercising their rights
- Intimidate, coerce or prevent political party representatives, voters or members of civil society or the media from voicing or disseminating their views

Global Implementation

Ghana is the fourth African country to face these restrictions, with similar policies already in place in Europe and Latin America. Ambassador Palmer emphasized that the policy is not targeted at the Ghanaian government or any specific political party.

Deterrent Against Bad Behavior

Palmer hopes the policy will deter bad behavior and hate speech, promoting a peaceful democratic process. "It's not directed at the government of Ghana or particular political party, but we cannot just refuse visas but revoke visas for people who undermine or interfere with Ghana's democratic process,'' she stated.

“I think it’s a very useful tool to have. I hope I don’t have to use it. I hope it will deter bad behaviour and hate speech. And I hope that I’ll call again for, you know, early signing of the peace pact,'' she added.

Source: Lead News Online