CODEO Raises Alarm Over Vote-Buying and Ballot Photographing in Special Voting.

Accra: The Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) has expressed alarm over incidents of vote-buying and the photographing of cast ballots recorded during the special voting held on December 2 across 14 out of 16 regions in the country.According to Ghana News Agency, CODEO's report on the special voting revealed concerns regarding the inaction of some electoral presiding officers and security officers in addressing these violations. The Coalition has called on the Ghana Police Service to take swift action against reported cases, including those highlighted in the media, to prevent similar occurrences during the general elections scheduled for December 7.The report further emphasized the need for the Electoral Commission (EC) and the National Election Security Task Force to urgently issue strict directives to presiding officers and security personnel on handling election offences effectively. Observers noted a generally smooth voting exercise, with most polling stations opening on time and the pr esence of party agents from both the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the National Patriotic Party (NPP). However, there were concerns about vote-buying activities and the photographing of ballots, which compromised the secrecy of the vote.In specific incidents, CODEO observers reported attempts by voters to photograph their ballots at various locations, including the Cape Coast North constituency and Ablekuma South in the Greater Accra Region, where security officials intercepted voters attempting to document their votes. Similar incidents were reported in Walewale and Bolgatanga Central, with party agents and police officers involved in photographing ballots.Vote-buying allegations were also recorded at polling stations in Keta, Weija-Gbawe, and Jaman North, with party representatives allegedly distributing money to voters to influence their choices. These incidents reflect a pattern of voter inducement observed by CODEO during the pre-election period, involving parties such as the NPP, NDC, New F orce movement, and Movement for Change in various constituencies.The report calls for political parties to cease such practices that undermine electoral integrity and urges voters to reject inducements, emphasizing the importance of free and fair elections. CODEO acknowledges the efforts of the EC and stakeholders in ensuring a generally smooth special voting process and urges continued vigilance for the upcoming general elections.