The Director of Communications for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential candidate, Denis Miracle Aboagye, has denounced the practice of distributing food and other incentives to voters.
In reference to the actions of Lydia Alhassan, the Member of Parliament for Ayawaso West Wuogon, who was seen giving out items to voters at a polling station during the special voting exercise on Monday, Mr. Aboagye emphasized that such behavior is not sanctioned by law and should therefore be avoided.
He characterized the events that occurred on December 2 as illegal. During a personal interview with Benjamin Akakpo on Joy News’ AM Show on Tuesday, December 3, Mr. Aboagye mentioned that while he had not closely monitored the situation, he found the actions concerning.
It is against the law, don’t do it.
He emphasized that such actions must be condemned, especially “if it is meant to induce the voter. We shouldn’t be doing that.
The communicator indicated, however, that if the distribution of items is not meant to sway the voter, he perceives no problem with it, clarifying that.
When you go into the constituencies and polling stations, it is usually more of a family relationship there.
He additionally observed that the arrangements for voters at polling stations are occasionally influenced by the Electoral Commission’s lack of capability to.
provide the needed comfort and convenience for the voter.
Mr. Aboagye further indicated that while it is not inherently wrong to distribute food to voters when one possesses an excess, it becomes inappropriate if the purpose is to sway a voter’s choice.
The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has initiated an inquiry into the purported food distribution by the Member of Parliament. In the meantime, she has refuted claims of sharing food with voters, despite being recorded on video.
