The Ejisu by-election that took place on 30 April 2024, was marred by accusations of vote buying, raising important legal implications regarding the integrity of the electoral process. Vote buying is the illegal practice of offering goods, services, or money in exchange for votes, undermining the principles of free and fair elections.
Firstly, it is important to understand the legal framework surrounding vote buying in Ghana, where the Ejisu by-election took place. The Representation of the People Act, 1992 (Act 284) explicitly prohibits the practice of vote buying, stating that any person who offers, gives, or receives money or gifts in exchange for votes commits an offence punishable by law. In addition, the Criminal Offenses Act, of 1960 (Act 29) also criminalizes bribery in elections, further clarifying the legal consequences of vote buying.
Despite the clear legal provisions against vote buying, the practice continues to occur in Ghanaian elections, as evidenced by the allegations surrounding the Ejisu by-election. In this case, candidates and their supporters were accused of distributing cash, food, and other incentives to voters in exchange for their votes, compromising the fairness and legitimacy of the electoral process. This raises serious concerns about the rule of law and the effectiveness of existing legal mechanisms in deterring and punishing vote buying.
The implications of vote buying go beyond the immediate impact on election outcomes. It undermines the fundamental principles of democracy, such as political equality and the right to free and fair elections.
By allowing individuals or groups with financial resources to buy votes, the electoral process becomes distorted, leading to the election of representatives who may not truly reflect the will of the electorate. This erodes public trust in the political system and weakens the foundation of democratic governance.
Furthermore, vote buying perpetuates a cycle of corruption and impunity, where politicians and political parties feel emboldened to engage in illegal practices to secure power. This creates a culture of dependency and clientelism, where voters are incentivized to support candidates based on material rewards rather than on their policies or platforms.
As a result, the quality of governance is compromised, as elected officials may prioritize the interests of their benefactors over those of the general public.
To address the legal implications of vote buying in elections, authorities must enforce existing laws and regulations effectively. This includes investigating and prosecuting individuals involved in vote buying, as well as holding political parties accountable for their actions. In addition, measures should be put in place to promote transparency and accountability in electoral financing, to prevent the undue influence of money in politics.
Vote buying is a critical issue that has plagued elections in many countries, including Ghana. The recent Ejisu by-election in Ghana was characterized by allegations of vote buying, which raises concerns about the integrity of the electoral process.
To prevent further occurrences of vote buying, especially in the upcoming general election, it is essential to implement legal measures to curb this unethical practice.
One of the key legal measures that can be put in place to prevent vote buying is the enforcement of strict penalties for those caught engaging in this practice. Currently, the penalties for vote buying in Ghana are not stringent enough to act as a deterrent.
By increasing the fines and penalties for vote buying, politicians and their supporters will think twice before attempting to influence voters through monetary or material means.
In addition to stricter penalties, there is a need for more proactive measures to prevent vote buying before it occurs. One such measure is the establishment of an independent electoral commission tasked with monitoring and regulating campaign finances.
This commission would be responsible for ensuring that all political parties and candidates adhere to strict guidelines on campaign spending and donations. By increasing transparency and accountability in campaign financing, the likelihood of vote buying can be significantly reduced.
Furthermore, it is crucial to educate voters about the negative consequences of vote buying and the importance of making informed decisions based on policies and values rather than material incentives. Civic education programs can play a critical role in raising awareness about the damaging effects of vote buying on democracy and encouraging voters to make choices based on their best interests and the interests of their communities.
In conclusion, the prevalence of vote buying in the recent Ejisu by-election in Ghana highlights the urgent need for legal measures to prevent this unethical practice, especially in the upcoming general election.
By enforcing stricter penalties, establishing an independent electoral commission, and promoting civic education programs, Ghana can take significant steps towards ensuring free and fair elections that reflect the will of the people.
The government, civil society, and the international community need to work together to uphold the integrity of the electoral process and protect the democratic rights of Ghanaian citizens.
By Aaron Babako Korkormissah
( Korkormissahaaronbabako@gmail.com)
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect The Chronicle’s stance.
