The Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) has expressed serious concerns about breaches of electoral laws during the Special Voting exercise on Monday, December 2, 2024. In a statement signed by its National Coordinator on December 3, the coalition highlighted issues including alleged vote-buying and the photographing of cast ballots, which undermine the integrity of the electoral process.
CODEO criticized the inaction of presiding officers and security personnel who reportedly failed to address these violations at polling stations.
“CODEO is alarmed by the observed incidents of vote-buying and the photographing of cast ballots. It is concerning that some presiding officers and security officers did nothing to stop these violations. The Coalition is calling on the Ghana Police Service to take swift action against all such cases, including those reported in the media,” the statement read.
Allegations of Vote-Buying and Irregularities
The coalition reported widespread irregularities during the exercise, including claims that voters were offered cash or incentives to influence their choices. Additionally, some voters were seen photographing their cast ballots, a violation of Ghana’s electoral laws intended to uphold voter confidentiality and deter coercion.
Calls for Swift Action
CODEO urged the Ghana Police Service to promptly investigate these incidents and prosecute those responsible to set a deterrent for the upcoming general election on December 7.
“As a matter of urgency, the EC and the National Election Security Task Force must issue strict directives to presiding officers and security personnel on what actions to take when they witness election offences. This will help forestall similar occurrences during the December 7 polls,” CODEO emphasized.
Appeal to Political Parties and Voters
The coalition also called on political parties to refrain from engaging in practices that erode electoral integrity and urged voters to reject inducements, encouraging them to exercise their franchise freely.
CODEO acknowledged the interest of the Office of the Special Prosecutor in addressing these issues and called for public updates on the progress of investigations and any actions taken against perpetrators.