The African Electoral Institute (AEI) has commended the Electoral Commission of Ghana (EC) and the Ghana Police for their prompt action regarding alleged bribery of EC officials during the recent Ejisu by-election.
In a statement released on May 6, AEI praised the EC for handing over the implicated officials to the police and the police for inviting the Member of Parliament involved to facilitate investigations.
AEI urged the police to expedite their investigation and legal processes to bring finality to the matter, emphasizing the importance of maintaining Ghana’s democratic credentials.
The institute, a civil society organization focused on electoral solutions, encouraged Ghanaians to understand electoral laws and dos and don’ts, and urged the EC to prioritize electoral education and training.
Read African Electoral Institute’s full statement below
PRESS RELEASE BY AFRICAN ELECTORAL INSTITUTE (AEI)
TO ALL MEDIA HOUSES
DATE: 6TH MAY, 2024
THE AFRICAN ELECTORAL INSTITUTE (AEI) COMMENDS THE ELECTORAL COMMISION OF GHANA (EC) AND THE GHANA POLICE FOR THE PROMPT POSITIVE ACTION ON THE ALLEGED BRIBERY OF EC OFFICIALS DURING THE EJISU BY-ELECTION ON THE 30TH OF APRIL, 2024 BY THE KWADASO MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT( MP), PROF.. KINSLEY NYARKO
The African Electoral Institute( AEI) commends the EC with regard to some of its officers during the recent Ejisu by-election by handing over the officers to the Ghana Police for the law to take its course.
We pray that this action, by the EC, serves as a deterrent in the future.
On the part of the Ghana Police, we equally commend them for not just dealing with the two officials for allegedly taking a bribe during the by-election but has further invited the MP involved to facilitate its investigations into the matter, since an allegation of bribe has two sides.
This is an election year, and the African Electoral Institute (AEI) urges the Ghana Police to expedite its investigation and all necessary legal processes and consequences to bring finality on the matter.
The African Electoral Institute ( AEI) has watched the viral footage of the alleged bribery and has judiciously followed almost all the narratives on this matter, and we are happy the law is taking its course.
In order not to prejudice the matter, the African Electoral Institute ( AEI) refrains from drawing conclusions on the matter.
However, we are of the view that any form of electoral malpractice including monetization, irrespective of purported good intention, is robbery of the people’s will and will affect the results of any election and consequently the spirit of a true democracy.
Building a resilient Electoral System for NATIONAL SECURITY should be the continuous task of the Electoral Commission.
The Democratic credentials of Ghana have come far and rooted, and no stone should be left unturned to maintain and improve same.
African Electoral Institute (AEI) encourages every Ghanaian to do his or her part by knowing the dos and don’ts of elections.
The EC must make it a point, during training and deployment of its field and back room personnel, to spell out clearly the dos and don’ts per its by-laws on elections and the laws of the country on elections.
In conclusion, the AfricanElectoral Institute(AEI) urges every Ghanaian, and all state agencies tasked with the responsibilities of securing Ghana’s Electoral fortunes to be proactive at all times to protect and enforce the laws of The Republic of Ghana.
