Allegations of Electoral Malpractice Cast Shadow over Ghana’s 2024 Elections
The eve of Ghana’s 2024 general elections has been marred by accusations of a plot to rig the vote, leveled by former President John Dramani Mahama, the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), against the Electoral Commission (EC) and the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP). Mahama’s claims, disseminated via social media and press releases, allege a deliberate scheme to manipulate the electoral process, potentially undermining the integrity of the democratic exercise. These accusations, if substantiated, pose a serious threat to the stability and fairness of the electoral process, raising concerns about the potential for post-election disputes and unrest.
Central to Mahama’s accusations is the alleged premature disclosure of validating stamp details. He contends that despite the NDC reporting numerous instances of this breach to the EC since Thursday night, the Commission has failed to issue a clear directive to its staff to cease disclosing the identities and details of these stamps. This alleged inaction, according to Mahama, points to a deliberate attempt to facilitate ballot stuffing, a serious electoral malpractice that could significantly impact the outcome of the elections. The severity of the allegation underscores the importance of the EC’s response and the need for a thorough investigation to determine the veracity of these claims.
Further fueling Mahama’s accusations is an internal EC memo dated October 10, 2024, which he asserts exposes the alleged plot. He claims this memo reveals a coordinated strategy between the EC and the NPP to manipulate the voting process by revealing the validating stamp serial numbers before election day. The premature release of this information, according to Mahama, provides an opportunity for unauthorized individuals to create counterfeit ballots and thus compromise the integrity of the election. This specific allegation requires meticulous examination to determine the authenticity of the memo and the validity of Mahama’s interpretation.
The potential implications of these accusations are significant, with Mahama asserting that they demonstrate the EC’s determination to assist the NPP in rigging the elections. However, he expresses confidence that the Ghanaian electorate’s desire for change and their commitment to safeguarding their votes will thwart any such attempts. This statement reflects the high stakes involved in the election and the importance of public trust in the electoral process. A perceived manipulation of the vote could lead to widespread discontent and potentially escalate into post-election instability.
In response to these serious allegations, Mahama has appealed to various national and international stakeholders to intervene. He has called on the National Peace Council, religious and traditional leaders, civil society organizations, the international community, and election observer missions to urge the EC to address these concerns before the election. This call for intervention underscores the gravity of the situation and the need for a swift and transparent response from the EC to address these allegations and restore public confidence in the electoral process. The involvement of these stakeholders can play a crucial role in ensuring a peaceful and credible election.
These allegations stand in stark contrast to the assurances provided by EC Chair Jean Mensa, who has repeatedly emphasized the Commission’s commitment to conducting a free, fair, and transparent election. She has asserted that the EC is dedicated to overseeing an orderly, credible, and professionally efficient election. This divergence between the EC’s pronouncements and Mahama’s accusations creates a climate of uncertainty and distrust, highlighting the urgent need for a thorough and impartial investigation to determine the truth and ensure the integrity of the 2024 Ghanaian elections. The outcome of this investigation and the subsequent actions taken will be critical in shaping public perception and determining the overall credibility of the electoral process.
