In addition to other violations, the New Patriotic Party (NPP), according to Kwasi Amankwaa, the NDC’s candidate for parliament in the Kumawu by-election, is accused of purchasing votes.
Mr. Amankwaa worries that elderly and mentally unstable people are being brought to polling stations to cast their votes.
“It is very pathetic that the NPP have to resort to buying votes and then sharing money. And pretending for these people to come and tell the EC that they are disabled. So, they escort them to come and vote for the NPP.”
Kwasi Amankwaa
He claimed to have brought the issue up with the Police and the Electoral Commission (EC), in order to seek restitution.
“If somebody is unfortunately disabled, we can all see. These persons that are challenged [and] now at this point they are telling me they are mentally deranged; they can’t even remember what they want to do. If somebody is not mentally sound, they are not supposed to vote.”
Kwasi Amankwaa
Ablakwa Serves As Polling Agent For NDC In Kumawu By-Election
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) is using Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, a member of parliament for North Tongu, as a polling agent in the Kumawu by-election.
The election began today, Tuesday, May 23, at 7 a.m. The Electoral Commission delivered election materials in the early morning to polling stations in the constituency.
Ablakwa in a tweet said “A Proud Polling Agent for the Great NDC in today’s Kumawu by-election. For God and Country”
Mustapha Gbande Accusses NPP Of Vote Buying
The New Patriotic Party (NPP), according to the National Democratic Congress’s (NDC) Deputy General Secretary, is allegedly purchasing votes in the present Kumawu by-election.
Despite the contituency being a longtime bastion of the ruling party, Mustapha Gbande claims that little improvement has taken place in the electoral area. He stated that because the NPP has nothing to show for its extended years in power, it has made vote buying its go-to strategy.
He averred that the party was aware beforehand that it would have a poor outcome in the by-election.
“We’re dealing with a traditional NPP stronghold. But if you look at the antecedent of developments, in terms of government interventions, the NPP today led by Nana Akufo-Addo have nothing to show in that constituency.
“You’re dealing with a government that’s coming into a by-election at its stronghold with a bad fate. They’re not thinking about development. They keep on with their sloganeering approach and engaged in vote buying. They are sharing money. They are engaged in vote buying and sharing of goodies”
Mustapha Gbande
Mr. Gbande said that the NPP Regional Chairman, Chief of Staff, several appointees, and other individuals, have gathered to try to sway the results of the election through the exchange of money. In order to avoid losing their position, he said, this has become their last resort.
Additionally, some locals are enraged over claims that the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) used financial inducements to influence the outcome of the ongoing by-election in Kumawu.
They allege that NPP officials are giving voters who voluntarily display their voting ID cards, GHC 20 or GHC 10 each. This is done in order to find out if they are voters and to encourage them to cast their ballots for Ernest Yaw Anim, the candidate they support.
“If you take your voters ID card to them then, they will give you ¢20 for two people to share. That is what the NPP is doing,” a displeased constituent said.
The lawmaker has, however, expressed confidence regarding the possibility of the opposition NDC taking the NPP’s seat. This, he claimed, is supported by what the NDC has accomplished in the district, adding that the party enjoys support.
In the Ashanti Region, the Kumawu by-election is now taking place. The NDC, NPP, and two independent candidates are vying for the seat.
Although the NPP is well renowned for being its electoral powerhouse, statistics reveal that even though the party keeps winning, voter turnout is rapidly declining. However, both caucuses want to win this one in order to increase support for them in the hung house.
READ ALSO: Kumawu By-Election: An Already Signed Pink Sheet Appears At The Polling Station
