MP for Sawla-Tuna Kalba raises concern over vote buying ahead of December 7 elections

In Ghana, every electioneering year is often characterized by allegations and counter-allegations among political parties, especially the two major ones- NDC and NPP.

One of the main allegations they often hurl at each other is vote buying, whereby politicians often target the electorate with money and other resources in order to entice them for their votes.

Another politician who has recently raised eyebrows over the monitization of the electoral process is Andrew Dari Chiwitey, Member of Parliament for Sawla-Tuna-Kalba and Parliamentary Candidate for NDC in the Savannah Region.

“The money they were sharing yesterday, that was our money …from the ‘Gold for Oil’ . That was the money they got from galamsey,” the MP alleged.

He raised alarm over the issue of vote buying, calling it a significant threat to the integrity of Ghana’s democratic process.

During his campaign launch, Chiwitey confidently stated that no amount of vote buying by the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) would be enough to secure their victory in the upcoming elections.

 

In his address, Chiwitey emphasized that Ghanaians and the people of Sawla Tuna Kalba are poised to reward the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for the achievements of former President John Dramani Mahama and the good works of he, the MP.

He expressed optimism the electorate will once again place their trust in the NDC, just as they did during the 2020 elections.

Reflecting on the party’s success in securing a comfortable margin over the NPP during the last elections, Chiwitey projected an even greater margin for the NDC on December 7, 2024.

The MP’s concerns resonate with growing calls across the nation for greater transparency and accountability in the upcoming elections.

As the campaign season intensifies, many citizens have voiced their fears that vote buying will likely undermine the fairness of the electoral process, eroding trust in the country’s electoral system.

Supporters of the NDC have also re-echoed Chiwitey’s sentiments, condemning the practice of vote buying and urging their fellow citizens to reject any attempts to influence their votes through monetary or material incentives.

They argue that the upcoming elections are crucial for the future of the country and that decisions made based on financial inducements could have long-lasting negative consequences.

As the December 7 elections draw nearer, the battle for votes is intensifying, and with it, comes the spotlight highlighting the need for a transparent and honest electoral process.

The allegations of vote buying have heightened the stakes, adding a new layer of scrutiny to the race between the NDC and the NPP – the two major political parties in the country – who are often being accused of perpetuating the act.

The outcome of this contest will not only shape the future of the Sawla-Tuna Kalba constituency but could also serve as a bellwether for the broader national elections.

Read also: 

Eastern Region: NDC alleges discrepancies in voter transfer records in 8 constituencies | 3News

By Nadra Mohammed

The post MP for Sawla-Tuna Kalba raises concern over vote buying ahead of December 7 elections first appeared on 3News.

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