CODEO Alarmed By Electoral Malpractices During Special Voting
The Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) says it has been taken aback by election malpractices during the Special voting exercise on December 2 across 216 constituencies in 14 regions in the country.
From its observation, the exercise recorded incidents of a missing serial number/ballot paper; photographing of thumb-printed ballot papers; and incidents of vote-buying.
The missing serial number/ballot paper (numbered 0000046) from the ballot booklet was detected at Sefwi Akontombra in the Western Region while photographing of the thumbed ballot papers by voters were recorded in the Cape Coast North constituency, Ablekuma South constituency, Walewale, Bolgatanga Central and Navrongo Central.
Meanwhile, the observers reported cases of alleged vote-buying and attempted vote-buying in Keta, Weija-Gbawe and Jaman North constituencies. Additionally, it said pickets of vote-buying against the NPP, the NDC, the New Force movement, and the Movement for Change in specific constituencies were observed.
“It is concerning that some presiding officers and security officers did nothing to stop the violations. The Coalition is calling on the Ghana Police Service to take swift action against all such cases, including those reported in the media.”
It urged the EC and National Election Security Task Force to immediately issue strict directives to presiding officers and security offices on actions to take when they witness election offences.
It believes this will help forestall similar occurrences during the December 7 polls.
It also called on all political parties to refrain from these practices.
Source: opemsuo.com/Hajara Fuseini
