The Progressive Alliance for Ghana (PAG) has issued a strong condemnation of reported violations of electoral laws during the Special Voting exercise held on Monday, December 2.Tourism packages
These incidents, described as alarming and unacceptable, have prompted the party to call for swift and decisive action against the perpetrators.
In a statement dated December 4, Dr. John Kpikpi, the flagbearer of the Progressive Alliance for Ghana, emphasised the importance of safeguarding the electoral process, urging citizens and institutions alike to uphold the integrity of the December 7 general elections.
Dr. Kpikpi noted that maintaining the sanctity of the vote is not only crucial for democracy but also vital for the peace and progress of Ghana.
Some cases of vote-buying and photographing of cast ballots were recorded at some polling centres across the country on Monday, December 2.
Dr. Kpikpi’s statement also expressed deep concern over these violations, particularly because they occurred during a voting exercise involving security personnel, individuals entrusted with upholding law and order, including the integrity of the electoral process itself.
Below is the full statement.
A number of concerning isolated events were reported on Monday, December 2 during the Special Voting Exercise held to afford Security Personnel, Media Practitioners and Election Officials the opportunity to cast their votes in advance. These included:
* alleged attempts to buy votes in Ayawaso West Wuogon, Greater Accra Region and Sagnarigun, Northern Region,
* reports of voter impersonation from Ablekuman Central, Greater Accra Region.
* reported attempt of a voter to take a photograph of his ballot after voting.
The Progressive Alliance for Ghana unreservedly condemns all attempts of individuals and political parties who engage in any activity which directly or indirectly interfere in the delivery of free and fair elections in Ghana.
We consider these incidents, taken together, as being particularly concerning as they characterised the voting day of no other group than the security personnel—the very people upon whom the nation relies to protect the integrity of the election results.
In light of these unfortunate events, we call on all citizens and institutions of our beautiful motherland to rise to the responsibility of safeguarding the election results for the peace and progress of the nation.
We call for personal discipline. Every citizen, whether a vote seeker or a voter must strive for integrity. Vote seekers must not under any circumstances engage in any activity tantamount to vote-buying. No money ‘gifts’ nor material ‘gifts’ such as food, clothes, or others should be offered to voters in exchange for their votes. “Free and fair elections” means people are indeed free from coercion and inducements and allowed to make their own decisions.
We remind our security institutions that in this critical time in the history of our country the nation relies on them to do their best for Ghana, without any fear, favour or bias towards any political party or personality, for the peace and wellbeing of the nation.
We call for cooperation between law enforcement agencies and individuals in the nation. Let citizens be vigilant to record and report any malpractices we might come across to the relevant law enforcement agencies in a timely manner.
Together, let’s all put our best feet foward towards making Election 2024 a big success. Let Ghana win again. Peace and Prosperity to our Homeland Ghana. God bless us all.
