The Ghana Integrity Initiative has denounced several parliamentary candidates' distribution of cash and other goods during the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) primaries that recently concluded.
The GII noted in a statement on Monday, May 15, 2023, that these occurrences at the primaries tarnished the generally calm occasion.
The democratic values of free and open elections are distorted by vote-buying and financial incentives.
Such actions undermine the values of fairness, responsibility, and good government. Parts of the statement read: "By using these immoral strategies, candidates put their own interests ahead of those of the people, weakening public trust and harming the democratic fabric of our country.
The Criminal Offences Act (1960) (Act 29), Sections 240 (concerning undue influence during elections), 241 (concerning illegal practice in connection with voting), and 249 (concerning illegal practice in connection with voting), were all cited by GII as being violated by these activities.
On Saturday, the NDC held its presidential and legislative primaries.
In the course of the election, one candidate in the Ashanti Region's Ejura Sekyeredumase was seen on camera brazenly throwing money to people who appeared to be delegates at the polling places.
An opponent in another district allegedly purchased sacks of food to be given to delegates after voting.
The Office of the Special Prosecutor has invited the candidate for the Ejura Sekyeredumase seat in the parliament regarding a possible corruption case after the elections.
Juliana Kinang Wassan is one of the people of interest for her conduct during the opposition party's presidential and parliamentary primaries on May 13, according to a letter that JoyNews obtained.
The OSP stated in the letter that it has started an inquiry into possible corruption in relation to her activity.
The GII has supported the OSP's first course of action, arguing that such actions constitute electoral corruption and require investigation.
"This is a crucial step towards cleaning up the nation's election procedures. To stop what has become known as the "monetization of the country's elections," we ask that the full extent of the legislation be investigated.
GII denounces the "vote buying" that certain NDC primary candidates engaged in.
Additionally, GII requested that the Electoral Commission use its disqualification powers to oust candidates and political parties who violate Sessions 240, 241, and 249 of the Criminal Offence Act of 1960 (Act 29).
"GII urges all interested parties to join the campaign to ensure that the 2024 elections are conducted with the highest standards of political integrity so that winners and losers will accept the outcome graciously," reads a statement from the group.
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