Key Points
- NDC accuses NPP of printing fake ballot papers.
- Allegations include plans to intimidate voters in NDC strongholds.
- Party urges Ghanaians to ensure every vote counts.
The ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) has been charged by the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) with fabricating ballots in an attempt to sway the results of the elections scheduled for December 7.
NDC accuses NPP of printing fake ballot papers
The NDC asserted that it has reliable evidence regarding the purportedly forged ballots in a news release announcing John Mahama’s three-day tour of the Western Region.
“We have credible information about the NPP and the Bawumia campaign illegally printing fake ballot papers, which is intended to undermine the electoral process,” stated Joyce Bawa Mogtari, Mahama’s campaign spokesperson.
According to myjoyonline, the NPP allegedly intends to intimidate voters in NDC strongholds, according to the statement. “In order to introduce ballots that have already been thumb-printed, we are aware of attempts by the ruling party to manipulate the elections by intimidating voters and poll workers in our strongholds,” the statement claimed.
The NDC pledged to oppose any efforts to sabotage the election procedure. To be clear, any attempt to subvert the will of the Ghanaian people would not be tolerated by the NDC. We shall not tolerate any attempts to undermine our fledgling democracy or stand by and do nothing.
The statement further stated, “We are ready and will firmly oppose any attempts at electoral manipulation that the NPP and the Bawumia campaign may have in store.”
Additionally, the party urged President Nana Akufo-Addo, Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, and the Electoral Commission to guarantee a free and fair election process.
Calls for free and fair elections intensify
The Electoral Commission, President Nana Akufo-Addo, and Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia are once again urged by Mogtari to act honourably and guarantee a free and fair election process free from intimidation and vote rigging.
Ghanaians were urged by the NDC to cast their ballots without fear or intimidation. “We remind everyone in Ghana that you hold the power.” We will work together to make sure that every vote counts because your voice matters,” Mogtari continued.
The Electoral Commission recently admitted that ballots printed for the Volta and Ahafo areas were serialised incorrectly; these were later destroyed. The problem has strengthened NDC suspicions that the errors were a component of a larger NPP election-rigging scheme.
