As the December 7 general election draws near, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has unveiled yet another strategy to undermine the integrity of Ghana’s democratic process in a desperate attempt to erode the credibility of the election.
The party has released a campaign advertisement seeking to buy the votes of Ghanaians, in clear violation of the country’s electoral laws. The advertisement promises cars, motorbikes, buildings, cash, travel opportunities, and other incentives to induce Ghanaians to vote for the NDC.
Currently trending on social media platforms and mainstream media, the advertisement urges Ghanaians to vote for the party and also help the party win the 2024 general election in exchange for free trip to Dubai and other incentives.
Some political watchers have expressed concerns over the acts of the NDC as it breaches provisions in the Representation of the People Law, 1992, PNDCL 284. The Act proscribes the payment of bribes and treating of voters in an election. Section 34 of the Act states that a person commits the offense of treating if, either directly or through another person, he corruptly provides or pays, in whole or in part, for the expenses of providing meat, drink, entertainment, or provision to any person to influence them or another person to vote or refrain from voting; or if he corruptly accepts or takes such offerings in this context.
Regarding bribery, Section 33 of the Act indicates that a person commits bribery if he, directly or through another, gives money or secures an office for a voter to induce voting or refraining from voting; or if he makes a gift or provides something of value to a voter to obtain the election of a candidate; or if he advances or pays money to be used in bribery; or if he, before or during an election, directly or indirectly receives, agrees, or contracts for money, a gift, a loan, or a valuable consideration for himself or another person in exchange for voting or abstaining. Furthermore, if he receives such rewards after the election, he commits an offense.
Section 41 of the Act states that a person convicted of bribery or treating shall be liable, upon conviction, to a fine not exceeding ¢1 million or imprisonment not exceeding two years, or both. Additionally, they shall be disqualified from being registered as a voter or voting in a public election for five years following their prison term.
