The Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana has recently taken decisive action in response to an alleged bribery incident during the ongoing Ejisu Constituency By-Elections in the Ashanti Region. According to a statement issued by the EC on Tuesday afternoon, two temporary staff members have been withdrawn from their duties pending further investigations into the matter.
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A video circulating on social media showed an individual approaching a table at the Fumesua Pentecost Church Polling Station and placing an envelope on the table, which was being manned by the Presiding Officer and Ballot Issuer. In light of this incident, the EC has emphasized its commitment to upholding the principles and values of integrity, truth, and transparency, particularly during the training of all temporary staff.
Samuel Tettey, Deputy Chairman in charge of operations at the commission, stated, "The Commission will not countenance acts which cast a slur on the integrity of the institution and will not hesitate to sanction its officials who violate its laws." This firm stance reflects the EC's dedication to ensuring the credibility and fairness of the electoral process.
Furthermore, the EC has pledged to release a report on the incident to the public once investigations have been completed, demonstrating a commitment to accountability and transparency in addressing such matters.
The Ejisu Constituency By-Elections, called following the passing of former New Patriotic Party (NPP) lawmaker John Kumah, have garnered significant attention. The election features a closely contested race between NPP candidate Kwabena Boateng and former MP Kwabena Aduomi, who is running independently after departing from the NPP party. Notably, the opposition National Democratic Congress has opted out of the election.
Voting is currently underway across 204 polling centers in the constituency, with 106,812 registered voters eligible to cast their ballots from 7 am to 5 pm. The results of the by-election will be announced at the Coalition Centre, located at the Catholic Church in Ejisu.
With six candidates vying for the position, including three independent contenders, the outcome of the by-election is poised to have significant implications for the Ejisu Constituency.
As the electoral process unfolds, it is imperative to uphold the highest standards of integrity and transparency to ensure a fair and credible outcome. The actions taken by the EC in response to the alleged bribery incident underscore the commitment to preserving the integrity of the democratic process in Ghana.
-source Starrfm | curated by Aisha Yakubu | GhanaCrimes
