The Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) has expressed grave concerns over violations of Ghana’s electoral laws during the Special Voting exercise held on Monday, 2 December 2024.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, 3 December, signed by its National Coordinator, the coalition highlighted allegations of vote-buying and ballot photography, urging swift action to uphold the integrity of the electoral process.

“CODEO is alarmed by the observed incidents of vote-buying and the photographing of cast ballots. It is concerning that some presiding officers and security officers did nothing to stop the violations. The Coalition is calling on the Ghana Police Service to take swift action against all such cases, including those reported in the media,” the statement read.

According to CODEO, the Special Voting exercise witnessed widespread irregularities, with reports of voters allegedly being influenced through cash or other incentives in exchange for their votes.

Additionally, the coalition flagged instances of voters photographing their cast ballots, a clear violation of Ghana’s electoral laws intended to ensure voter confidentiality and prevent coercion.

CODEO criticised the failure of election officials and security personnel to address these breaches, warning that such inaction could erode public confidence in the electoral process.

To prevent a recurrence of such irregularities during the general elections on 7 December, the coalition called on the Electoral Commission (EC) and the National Election Security Task Force to issue clear and enforceable directives to presiding officers and security personnel.

“As a matter of urgency, the EC and the National Election Security Task Force must issue strict directives to presiding officers and security officers on what actions to take when they witness election offences. This will help forestall similar occurrences during the December 7 polls,” CODEO urged.

The coalition also commended the Office of the Special Prosecutor for its proactive interest in addressing these issues and called on the Ghana Police Service to take decisive action against perpetrators while keeping the public updated on progress.

“CODEO urges the Ghana Police Service to update the public on any such actions. CODEO acknowledges the interest taken by the Office of the Special Prosecutor in these matters. CODEO calls on all political parties to refrain from these practices, which are deeply damaging to the integrity of the electoral process, and on voters to refuse any attempts of inducement and freely express their right to vote on December 7,” the statement added.