Confusion Rocks Ayawaso West Wuogon as MP Shares Food for ‘Special Voters’ in Queues
Voting in the Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency of the Greater Accra Region proceeded peacefully and smoothly on Monday, December 2, during the special voting exercise.
However, the calm was disrupted when the incumbent New Patriotic Party (NPP) MP, Lydia Alhassan, began distributing food packs to voters waiting in line.
The distribution of food packs by Lydia Alhassan, which also included some Electoral Commission officials and security personnel supervising the process, agitated the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) Parliamentary Candidate for the constituency, actor John Dumelo, and other party executives.
Allegations of Inducement
John Dumelo condemned the act in an interview with Joy News’ Kwaku Asante, questioning the legality and ethics of such actions during an election.
“Why are you sharing food with people in the queue? Why are you doing that? 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. And you’re sharing food and we don’t even know what’s in the thing, and you’re sharing to people who have not voted yet. What kind of stupidity is this?” he quizzed.
Although any form of inducement in elections in Ghana is illegal, such incidents are not uncommon in both internal party elections and national elections.
The incident at Ayawaso West Wuogon has raised concerns about the integrity of the electoral process and the potential influence of such actions on voters.
Reactions from both Sides
Before the incident, both parliamentary candidates had expressed confidence in their chances during interviews with Joy News.
However, the food-sharing episode has added a layer of tension to the electoral atmosphere. Reports from the Ayawaso Central Constituency also indicate that both NPP and NDC shared food specifically with Electoral Commission officials supervising the exercise.
Special Voting Exercise
Hundreds of security personnel, emergency service staff, and Electoral Commission officials are participating in the special voting exercise across 14 out of 16 regions.
The Eastern and Western regions will have their special voting on Thursday, December 5, due to a ballot paper mishap that necessitated a recall and reprinting of ballot papers.
Moving Forward
The process has been generally smooth with a high turnout, despite a few incidents of missing names and food sharing.
As the December 7 general elections approach, the focus remains on ensuring a fair and transparent voting process, free from any form of inducement or irregularities.
Read More: EC Must Give Media Unfettered Access to All Levels of Voting and Collation 0f Ballots – GJA
