There’s a lack of regulatory response amid rising concerns of vote-buying, says IDEG director

The IDEG executive director expressed his worry over the increasing prevalence of vote-buying in Ghana’s electoral system, emphasising the potential ramifications for the transparency and integrity of the country’s democratic processes.

Speaking on the Big Bulletin on Asaase 99.5, he said, “This thing about giving GHC300, 400 to delegates is in the books of the EC. When Afari Gyan was serving as EC, he gave copies out, but why is there any action against the act? If there is no policy, you can formulate one.”

Akwetey contends that undisclosed financial support from these “invisible hands” raises fundamental questions about the fairness and credibility of elections.

The criticisms from Akwetey follow recent reports of alleged vote-buying during the parliamentary primaries of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).

The accusations have heightened concerns about the influence of monetary incentives on the electoral landscape, sparking a broader conversation about the need for robust oversight and enforcement of campaign financing laws.

“The whole thing about financing elections needs to come under scrutiny and within the law.”

Akwetey specifically targeted regulatory institutions tasked with scrutinising the sources of funds utilised by political parties during elections. He asserted that these institutions have fallen short in enforcing existing laws designed to ensure transparency and accountability in campaign financing.

Reporting by Caleb Ahinakwah in Accra