Ghana’s Special Voting exercise has come under scrutiny following the circulation of suspicious photos of ballot papers on social media, which allegedly show thumbprinted ballots. The images have raised concerns about the transparency of the process just days before the December 7 general elections, prompting public alarm.
The Special Voting system was designed to allow security forces, electoral officials, and journalists to vote early so they can carry out their duties on election day. While the process began smoothly and was praised for its organization, the appearance of these ballot images has sparked outrage and cast doubt on the integrity of the system.
The photos, reportedly shared by Adom FM’s verified Facebook account, have led to widespread criticism. Many Ghanaians expressed their disappointment over the breach of election protocol, questioning the dedication of some citizens to democratic values.
One frustrated commenter suggested, “Phones should be taken from voters before they cast their ballots,” while another lamented, “It’s sad how people put their personal gain above national interest. How are we still seeing this behavior?”
In Ghana, revealing a vote or any action that undermines vote secrecy is illegal. The leaked images have fueled calls for stricter regulations at polling centers, including phone bans and increased oversight by election officials.
Despite the controversy, the Special Voting process continues nationwide, with overall feedback remaining positive. However, this incident underscores ongoing challenges in Ghana’s democratic process and the need for strict adherence to electoral laws.
With the general elections approaching, electoral stakeholders are under pressure to address these concerns quickly to maintain public trust in the voting process.