Vote buying is indeed a pressing issue in Ghana's political landscape, and it's interesting to note that this year's election is expected to be one of the toughest in the country's history. The practice of sharing gifts on election day, even during District Assembly Elections, is a clear violation of electoral laws ¹.
According to the Electoral Commission of Ghana, vote buying is considered a form of bribery, and it's strictly prohibited. The commission emphasizes the importance of free and fair elections, and it's working to prevent any form of electoral malpractice.
Dennis Miracles Aboagye's statement that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) won't bribe any voter with gifts on election day is a welcome development. However, it remains to be seen whether the party will indeed abide by the electoral laws and refrain from engaging in vote-buying practices.
As a voter, it's essential to remember that accepting gifts or bribes in exchange for your vote is not only unethical but also illegal. The Electoral Commission of Ghana provides guidelines on the roles and responsibilities of voters, including the importance of maintaining the secrecy of their votes and refraining from engaging in multiple voting ¹.
Ultimately, it's up to each individual voter to ensure that they exercise their right to vote freely and fairly, without succumbing to bribery or coercion. By doing so, we can help promote a more transparent and accountable electoral process in Ghana.