Dr Kwame Asah-Asante, Senior Lecturer in the University of Ghana’s Department of Political Science, has warned that Ghana’s increasing culture of vote-buying may soon reach unacceptable proportions, with politicians maybe giving away luxury vehicles such as Range Rovers to influence voters.
Dr. Asah-Asante told Joy FM’s Top Story on Monday, February 9, that incentivising elections has become increasingly common, mostly because society has failed to condemn or punish the behaviour properly.
We have seen time and again how political actors manipulate people. Go out and give gifts to voters to influence their votes in one way or another, and we let it happen. We as a society have accepted that and allowed this to continue.
Now observe how they are taking the issue to the next level by distributing television and so forth. ‘I’m certain they’ll even distribute Range Rovers one day,’ he warned.
Dr. Asah-Asante further wondered if political parties truly have the commitment to address vote-buying, even when committees are formed to look into these accusations.
He noted that while parties frequently pledge to follow suggestions, execution remains uncertain.
However, he questioned if any political party could effectively control inducement now that the practice has become so prevalent.
“Are you confident that the party will have the political will to crack the whip if any recommendation is made in that direction? “ he asked.
While pleased with continuing probes into suspected vote-buying, Dr Asah-Asante stated that real accountability would be the ultimate test.
“We’re looking forward to seeing something like that, But I still have some doubts.”
Source: myjoyonline.com
