The National Coordinator of the Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO), Mr. Albert Kofi Arhin, has raised critical concerns about electoral malpractice in Ghana.
He examined incidents reported by monitors and offered practical solutions to prevent such occurrences in the general Polls coming Saturday.
His comments, particularly in light of the upcoming elections, highlight the urgent need to uphold integrity within the electoral system.
Mr. Arhin expressed dismay at the blatant display of electoral malpractice observed during the special voting exercise. He questioned the historical roots of such actions, remarking;
“When did this thing start in Ghana? We all along have been getting the impression that if people are given money, it is not done in the open. But this one is, you know, in the full glare of everybody, the general public.”
Mr. Albert Kofi Arhin National Coordinator of the Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO)
According to him, the open nature of these infractions represents a dangerous precedent. It signals not only the normalization of corrupt practices but also a declining respect for the electoral process.
“What is very sad is the fact that the security agents who are supposed to be arresting people when they do such things are the very people who are receiving the parcel.”
Mr. Albert Kofi Arhin National Coordinator of the Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO)
This revelation raises serious questions about the credibility of security agencies tasked with maintaining order during elections.
Such behavior, Mr. Arhin argued, undermines the public’s confidence in the electoral system and compromises the legitimacy of the democratic process.
The Role of Education and Awareness
To address these challenges, Arhin emphasized the importance of public education.
“Maybe people are doing it out of ignorance. But I doubt it. You cannot take food or a parcel to a polling station and give it to people in a queue. I think It’s too much.”
Mr. Albert Kofi Arhin National Coordinator of the Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO)
Mr. Arhin called on key stakeholders, including the Electoral Commission (EC), civil society organizations, and political parties, to launch educational campaigns to inform the public about the consequences of electoral malpractice.
The involvement of security personnel in unethical practices poses a significant challenge to the credibility of the electoral process.
Mr. Arhin urged the National Security Council to take immediate action, stating;
“The National Security Council should send a message to all other security men and women who are engaged in this exercise to be circumspect, to be very careful, and not to repeat what happened on the day of the special vote.”
Mr. Albert Kofi Arhin National Coordinator of the Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO)
By addressing this issue, he argued, Ghana can restore faith in its security apparatus and ensure they play their rightful role in safeguarding electoral integrity.
Mr. Arhin underscored the potential consequences of these incidents for the upcoming elections, stressing that such infractions could compromise the outcomes. He reiterated; ”I believe it is getting out of hand and something ought to be done about it.’’
By urging all stakeholders to recognize the gravity of the situation, demonstrate the power of collective efforts in tackling electoral malpractice.
Mr. Albert Arhin’s remarks are a stark reminder of the need to protect the integrity of Ghana’s electoral system.
The blatant display of malpractice, coupled with the involvement of security personnel, threatens the democratic principles the nation upholds. His call for education, stricter enforcement, and accountability is timely and essential.
As Ghana approaches its next electoral milestone, stakeholders must act decisively to address these issues. By doing so, the country can ensure a fair and transparent electoral process that reflects the will of its people.
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