Don’t Undermine Democracy with Vote Buying — Paul Aborampah Mensah Warns Political Parties

Paul Nana Kwabena Aborampah Mensah, Senior Programs Officer at the Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), has issued a stern warning to political parties, urging them to steer clear of electoral malpractices.

Speaking candidly in an interview with Vim Lady, Aborampah Mensah stressed the importance of ensuring that the elections are free, fair, and reflective of the people’s true will, rather than falling prey to the tactics of vote-buying or transporting supporters to sway results.

“The integrity of our elections cannot be compromised by underhanded practices,” he asserted. “Political parties must resist the temptation to engage in vote buying or other forms of manipulation that could taint the democratic process.”

His words are a call to action, highlighting the responsibility that political parties have in maintaining the sanctity of the polls.

In his conversation with Vim Lady, Aborampah Mensah also drew attention to certain areas that have historically been prone to electoral violence.

He mentioned that some regions, such as Ashaiman and Odododiodio, have seen fatalities in the past due to election-related conflicts. “We’ve witnessed bloodshed in these areas before, and it’s a tragic reality we cannot ignore,” he reflected.

As a precaution, the authorities have already taken steps to ensure these regions are well-policed during the election period. “Law enforcement officers have been deployed to safeguard lives and property. Their presence is critical in maintaining peace and ensuring the safety of everyone.”

Furthermore, Aborampah Mensah pointed out that other locations, including Ayawaso West Wuogon and Ningo Prampram, also require heightened security attention.

While he acknowledged the steps taken by law enforcement, he reminded listeners that it is not just about having a visible police presence but ensuring officers act impartially and without bias. “The role of the police is vital.

Their professionalism can either make or break the peace,” he said, urging them to be neutral and fair in their actions.

While the responsibility of ensuring a peaceful election largely falls on the authorities, Aborampah Mensah didn’t stop at political parties and security forces.

He urged the electorate to remain vigilant and resist attempts to undermine their democratic rights, particularly through vote-buying schemes.

“We must all stand firm. The strength of our democracy lies in the hands of the people,” he said, encouraging citizens to reject any efforts that may compromise the fairness of the election process.

Reflecting on the progress Ghana has made in its democratic journey, he acknowledged that while the country has become a model for other African nations, the fight against electoral malpractice is far from over. “We’ve come a long way, but the work is ongoing.

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