The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has dismissed accusations by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) regarding alleged electoral misconduct involving an Electoral Commission (EC) officer in Kintampo South. The NDC described the NPP’s demands for prosecution as unfounded and a deliberate attempt to distract from their anticipated defeat in the ongoing elections.
The Controversy
The incident in question involves Joseph Dery, an EC officer accused of issuing ballot papers that excluded the photo of the first presidential candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. This irregularity prompted outrage among NPP supporters, who saw it as a deliberate attempt to disenfranchise voters and influence the election’s outcome.
Party agents and vigilant polling officials reported the issue, leading to Dery’s arrest and the confiscation of the questionable ballot materials. The NPP, through Denis Miracles Aboagye, a spokesperson for Dr. Bawumia’s campaign, called for Dery’s immediate prosecution, labeling the act as an intentional sabotage of the democratic process.
NDC’s Rebuttal
In a swift response, NDC National Communications Officer Sammy Gyamfi refuted the NPP’s allegations. He argued that the issue was an administrative error on the part of the EC and not orchestrated by the NDC.
“The NPP has resorted to frivolous allegations because they can smell defeat coming,” Gyamfi stated at a press conference. “This was not done by the NDC but by an Electoral Commission officer, and so if anybody ought to be blamed, it should be the EC and not us.”
He accused the NPP of stirring tension and attempting to use the incident as a diversionary tactic to manipulate the electoral process.
Calls for Transparency
The NDC emphasized the need for all parties to focus on ensuring transparency and fairness in the ongoing election. Gyamfi urged the NPP to avoid inflammatory statements and respect the democratic process.
As the electoral process continues, the tension surrounding the incident underscores the high stakes of the 2024 elections and the need for calm and vigilance from all stakeholders.
