Election Watch Ghana has expressed concern over reports of vote buying in the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Ayawaso East primaries, describing the incidents as a threat to democratic integrity.
A video circulating on social media reportedly shows a candidate, Baba Jamal, distributing televisions to voters and boiled eggs to delegates. In a subsequent TV interview, the candidate acknowledged giving the TVs as gifts.
Election Watch Ghana, in a statement on Monday, February 9, 2026, called the act a blatant disregard for democratic principles and the law.
“While Section 33 of the Representation of the People Law, 1992, prohibits vote buying in general elections, the law currently does not explicitly cover internal party elections. This loophole creates an environment where candidates may feel emboldened to engage in such malpractices, compromising the fairness and transparency of the electoral process,” the statement read.
Election Watch Ghana commended the NDC for issuing a prompt statement condemning vote buying, urging the party to back its words with concrete actions.
The organisation emphasised that disciplinary action against offenders would demonstrate a commitment to upholding democratic values.
The organisation made several recommendations, including:
- The Electoral Commission (EC) investigates the alleged incidents and takes action against those found guilty.
- The NDC disciplines any party member involved in vote buying to uphold party rules and procedures.
- The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) collaborate to investigate and prosecute offenders.
Election Watch Ghana also called for legal reforms to explicitly cover internal party elections:
- Amend Section 33 of the Representation of the People Law, 1992, to include internal party elections.
- Introduce specific provisions in the Political Parties Law, 2016, to prevent vote buying in party primaries.
“Election Watch Ghana urges all stakeholders, including political parties, civil society organisations, and citizens, to work together to protect Ghana’s democratic values and ensure free, fair, and transparent elections,” the statement concluded.
Ayawaso East vote-buying scandal an affront to democracy – NPP
