By: Roberta Gayode Modin
As Ghana strives towards equitable representation and fair elections, the phenomenon of vote-buying continues to cast a slur on the country’s fragile democratic process.
Vote buying, a practice where a political party or candidate offers material goods, money, or favours in exchange for votes, has deeply entrenched itself in Ghana’s political landscape. It’s a multifaceted issue that blurs the line between ethical campaigning and corrupt electoral practices.
Is vote-buying punishable by law?
According to a publication by Citi News in 2016, two civil society organisations, Center for Democratic Development and the Coalition of Domestic Elections Observer, revealed that the practice of vote buying is punishable by law as it constitutes electoral fraud.
“The Political Parties Law 2000, ACT 574, and The Representation of the People’s Law, 1992, PNDC Law 284 also make engaging in, and buying and selling of votes in any way punishable by law. Indeed, The Electoral Commission’s voter education brochure “What You Should Know” states clearly vote buying or selling as an electoral offence.”
Despite legal prohibitions and moral scrutiny, the clandestine exchange of votes for goods or services persists, influencing electoral outcomes and compromising the democratic fabric.
Reports of vote-buying were the highlight of the recent NPP Orphan Constituency elections. Delegates were spotted in videos collecting money.
“We have cashed out for the first time in the history of Ablekuma,” one delegate exclaimed in a video posted by TV3, as he displayed a bundle of cash he had received from competing candidates for the Ablekuma Central Constituency.
In a live JoyNews broadcast, another delegate from the Ashanti Region threatened to boycott voting because the contestants failed to give them money.
In response to reports of vote-buying that dominated their recent elections, the Communications Director for the NPP, Richard Ahiagbah, stated, however, that the issue of vote-buying is not the party’s focus.
“We understand democracy to mean that people will be able to exercise their franchise, and if some candidates are supporting or giving money to people to vote for them, that is not the essence of democracy as we know it. So that cannot be the highlight of the NPP Orphan Constituency election, he said on TV3.
The root causes of vote buying are complex, often stemming from socioeconomic disparities, limited access to resources, and a lack of robust institutional frameworks to regulate campaign financing. In Ghana, where poverty remains a pressing concern for many citizens, the allure of immediate gains through vote-selling becomes an unfortunate reality for some.
What are the implications of vote-buying for Ghana’s democracy?
Currently, Ghanaians might not feel the pinch of the dire consequences of vote-buying. However, it is worth noting that the country may be treading on a slippery road by creating a cabal of corrupt politicians and distorted representation in governance.
Candidates elected through vote-buying may prioritise the interests of those who financially support them rather than representing the broader interests of all. On the other hand, it may discourage qualified and capable individuals from participating in politics, as they might feel disadvantaged against those with more financial resources.
It is worth commending that the Office of the Special Prosecutor has taken on the case to investigate six constituency representatives for vote-buying.
It is hoped that when found culpable, they will be made to face the full rigours of the law in order to nip the practice in the bud.
