Former President John Dramani Mahama accused the ruling New Patriotic Party of vote-buying in the lead-up to November elections in Ghana. The Presidential Candidate for the National Democratic Congress, speaking at a rally in Accra, also urged Ghanaians to be vigilant not to allow some cynics to cast a dent on democratic process.
Mahama accused the NPP of distributing money and items in several constituencies; what he described as a strategic plan to win votes and sway public opinion. He said these desperate measures were threats to the integrity of the electoral process. "We cannot allow money to dictate our democracy. Our future is too important to be sold for a few coins," Mahama declared as he urged supporters to report any incidents of such practice to electoral authorities.
The former president, Mahama, has made these claims amidst increased political temperatures as the country prepares to go to the polls next year. While education on electoral processes by the Electoral Commission emphasizes transparency and integrity, statements by Mahama have cast aspersions on possible irregularities.
In response to the accusations made by Mahama, the New Patriotic Party spokespersons have denied the accusations as baseless and diversionary. They stated that their party's priority is on advocating for people-centered policies and not engaging in such undecorous practices. "The NPP believes in free and fair elections, and it trusts in the wisdom of the electorate to make responsible decisions," the party official said.
They said political analysts have pointed out that such accusations are not strange in Ghana during election periods, but stressed the need for workable mechanisms to ensure fair play and accountability. Both parties come under increasing scrutiny from civil society organizations and the media in the run-up to elections in the increasingly tense political environment.
With elections looming, these accusations by Mahama are sure to heat the already perilous political situation further, with incumbent and opposition alike preparing for what many observers say will be a defining battle over the future of Ghana.
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