February 11, 2025

Special Voting Exercise: CHRAJ Criticizes NPP MP for Distributing Food

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CHRAJ

The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) has criticized Lydia Seyram Alhassan, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament (MP) for Ayawaso West Wuoguon, after she was seen allegedly distributing food during the special voting at the East Legon Police Station on December 2, 2024.

Footage circulating on social media captured Alhassan, who is seeking re-election, handing out food to service personnel waiting in line to vote. Initially, Alhassan denied the allegations during an interview. However, she later defended her actions, insisting that her intentions were not malicious.

The incident, which occurred at the Legon Police Station polling station, sparked debates regarding voter influence and ethical conduct in the electoral process. While some defended Alhassan’s actions as an innocent gesture, others raised concerns about its potential to affect the fairness of the election.

In an interview with Bernard Avle on Citi FM’s Breakfast Show on December 3, 2024, Alhassan explained that the situation began when a personnel in the queue requested water. According to Alhassan, her women’s organizer provided the water, and seeing that other voters appeared tired or hungry, she decided to extend the same gesture to them. Alhassan claimed that the act was done out of goodwill, and there was no intention to influence anyone’s vote.

However, Dr. Joseph Whittal, Commissioner of CHRAJ, condemned the actions of the MP during a press conference on December 3, 2024. He made it clear that the act of sharing food or other forms of assistance to voters in line before elections is an ethical violation and could be seen as a form of corruption. Dr. Whittal stressed that such actions can compromise the integrity of the election process, particularly when they involve groups such as security personnel, who play an important role in ensuring the legitimacy of the vote.

Dr. Whittal explained, “It is not right to treat sharing food or money with voters in the queue as legal or acceptable behavior. This is tantamount to corruption and raises serious questions about the integrity of the election.”

He also noted that this type of behavior was unprecedented in previous elections. Such actions have not typically been witnessed, especially at a time when ensuring transparency and fairness in the electoral process is crucial. Dr. Whittal added that CHRAJ would monitor these practices closely during future elections to prevent similar issues from arising.

The incident has caused concern among various political analysts and stakeholders, who worry that such behavior could create an environment where voters feel coerced or influenced in casting their ballots. This controversy comes just days before the general elections on December 7, 2024, and raises questions about how far political candidates will go to secure votes.

In response to the CHRAJ’s statement, critics have called for stricter guidelines on acceptable conduct during voting exercises. They have emphasized the importance of educating candidates and voters about electoral ethics to prevent future misunderstandings or violations of the electoral code. The discussion has further sparked calls for political campaigns to remain focused on issues rather than attempting to sway voters through material incentives.

This incident highlights the fragile nature of Ghana’s electoral system, where even small actions can raise doubts about the fairness of the process. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining integrity in every aspect of the election, from voter registration to the final counting of votes.

As the general elections draw closer, stakeholders are urging greater vigilance to ensure that no actions, whether intentional or accidental, undermine the democratic process. The public’s trust in the electoral system depends on the transparency and fairness of the process, and any breach of these principles can have long-lasting consequences on the credibility of the government elected.

This controversy underscores the need for continuous oversight and accountability in the electoral process. It is essential that all participants, including politicians, voters, and election officials, adhere to ethical guidelines to maintain the integrity of Ghana’s democratic system. The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice’s condemnation of Lydia Alhassan’s actions serves as an important reminder of the need to protect the sanctity of the voting process.

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