The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has initiated an investigation into an incident that occurred during the special voting exercise at the Ayawaso West Wuogon constituency, following a video circulating online showing the New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidate and incumbent MP, Lydia Alhassan, distributing food packs to voters.
The video, which quickly gained public attention, captured the MP and her team handing out food to voters waiting in line at the Legon Police Station, one of the designated special voting centres in the constituency.
Reacting to the incident, John Dumelo, the parliamentary candidate for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the constituency, condemned the act, labeling it a violation of the Electoral Commission’s (EC) guidelines.
In a statement to the media, Dumelo expressed dissatisfaction, arguing that such actions compromise the fairness and integrity of the electoral process. He emphasized the importance of respecting EC rules and refraining from influencing voters through material incentives during the voting process.
“Why are you sharing food with people in the queue? Why are you doing that?” Dumelo questioned. “Does it mean we cannot share food too? We can also share the same, but let’s respect the rules of the Electoral Commission. Don’t share anything with people in the queue who have not voted yet.”
He further criticized the potential implications of such actions, including doubts over the contents of the distributed food and their impact on voter neutrality.
“What kind of stupidity is this? Why? Do they think we can’t do it? We can do the same and even worse. They shouldn’t even try us,” Dumelo warned, while reiterating his commitment to prioritizing the integrity of the election process.
The OSP’s investigation will focus on whether the food distribution constituted a breach of Ghana’s electoral laws, including allegations of vote-buying or undue influence over voters. The Electoral Commission’s guidelines strictly prohibit any form of inducement or material provision to voters during the voting process to ensure free and fair elections.
Source: InsiderGH.com
