The Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) has raised concerns over vote buying and abuse of incumbency in the Ashanti, Savannah, and Western regions as factors that will affect the credibility of the upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections.
In its second report from its observation of the pre-election environment released yesterday, November 19, 2024, CODEO highlighted that political figures are distributing money and valuables to voters in an attempt to influence their voting decisions.
According to CODEO 10% of the observer reports received indicated instances of vote buying, in the Ashanti, Savannah, and Western regions.”
CODEO also said its observers noted instances of potential abuse of incumbency by incumbent candidates or appointees of the government.
“About 11% of observer reports noted the use of state vehicles for campaigning on behalf of an incumbent candidate.
CODEO therefore called on all stakeholders, especially law enforcement agencies, to enforce laws that prohibit vote buying and abuse of incumbency, which contribute to uneven playing grounds for all presidential and parliamentary candidates ahead of the election.
