#Election2024: Incidents of intimidation, harrasment, and vote-buying observed at some polling stations — CODEO

The Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) has reported incidents of intimidation, harrasment, and vote-buying at some polling stations across the country in the ongoing presidential and parliamentary elections.

The observations were detailed in the coalition’s mid-day situational report delivered in Accra on Saturday, December 7.

Rev. Dr. Fred Degbe, co-chair of CODEO’s advisory board, revealed that the coalition’s observers recorded 14 cases of intimidation or harassment, 13 cases of violence, and 3 incidents of vote-buying or bribery as of mid-day.

“CODEO observers have reported a number of incidents at some polling stations. These include confirmed cases of intimidation, harassment, and vote-buying,” he said.

Specific cases cited include disruptions caused by political party representatives at polling stations. At Nkunzesi Primary School in Nabdam, Upper East Region, leaders of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) were observed directing voters on who to vote for, leading to heated confrontations and fighting.

“A police officer later arrived and calmed the situation,” Rev. Dr. Degbe disclosed.

Additionally, procedural violations were observed in other locations. At the Brekuso Day Care Center 1 in the Eastern Region, a voter was caught videotaping their marked ballot paper.

Meanwhile, malfunctioning biometric verification devices in Nungua, Greater Accra Region, delayed voting for two hours, forcing electoral officials to resort to manual verification.

While acknowledging these challenges, CODEO commended the Electoral Commission (EC) for addressing several of the issues promptly.

Rev. Dr. Degbe urged Ghanaians to remain calm and continue exercising their constitutional right to vote.

“We encourage all voters to approach the polls peacefully and ensure the process remains credible,” he stated.