Political Science Lecturer at the University of Ghana, Dr. Jalilu Ateku, has urged political parties, particularly the New Patriotic Party (NPP), to broaden their electoral base by allowing all registered members to vote in internal elections as a strategy to curb the growing menace of vote buying.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s Big Issue on Saturday, July 19, Dr. Ateku said the current system that limits voting rights to a select group of delegates creates fertile ground for inducements and undermines democratic integrity within parties.
“As a political party, I think we should be looking forward to expanding the electoral base, not just limiting it to a specific number of people. When more people in the party are given the chance to vote to elect their leader, it will reduce the rate at which people buy fridges, TVs, and offer money for delegates to vote for them.”
His comments come as the NPP holds its National Delegates Conference at the University of Ghana Stadium, a gathering that has drawn over 5,500 delegates from across the country. The conference is a key moment for the party as it navigates its post-election recovery following the 2024 electoral defeat.
Dr. Ateku argued that opening up the electoral process to all registered members would discourage the practice of vote buying, which he believes is both unsustainable and damaging to internal party democracy.
“That will even help the leaders, because how will you bribe everyone to vote for you?” he quizzed. “It will help them to save a lot and channel the revenue into their campaign.”
The conference, themed “Rebuilding Together with our Values,” is expected to deliberate on critical reforms, including over 50 motions derived from more than 300 amendment proposals submitted by party members nationwide.
Chairman of the Planning Committee, Joseph Osei Owusu, told Channel One News that the motions have been carefully reviewed and consolidated by the party’s Amendments Committee for efficient debate and decision-making.