New Juaben South lawmaker, Michael Okyere Baafi has accused the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) of widespread vote buying in Tuesday’s by-election in Akwatia, warning that the trend threatens the country’s democracy.
Baafi, speaking on Atumpan on AsaasePa 107.3MHz alleged that voters were paid between 500 and 1,000 cedis and offered goods including hair dryers and spraying machines in exchange for their ballots.
“Almost every voter demanded money before they would vote,” Baafi revealed. “The NDC candidate did not even campaign on the ground. They simply dished out cash and projects to win.”
Intimidation
Baafi claimed the opposition also deployed “thugs” to intimidate voters and resist police efforts on polling day.
“If this is how our elections are going to be, then I will not contest in the next election because this trend is very dangerous,” he said.
The NDC has not immediately responded to the allegations.
Background
Bernard Bediako Baidoo of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) won the Akwatia parliamentary by-election, securing a key victory for the government in one of the country’s most competitive constituencies.
Official results from the Electoral Commission (EC) showed Bediako polling 18,199 votes, defeating his closest rival Kwame Asumadu of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), who received 15,235. Owusu Patrick of the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG) garnered 82 votes.
Out of 34,122 ballots cast, 33,819 were declared valid while 303 were rejected, officials said.
Voting took place across 119 polling stations, with polls closing at 5 p.m. before sorting and counting in the presence of party agents, security personnel and independent observers.
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