Alleged bribery will not affect the credibility of Ejisu by-election – EC
The Electoral Commission (EC) has downplayed the impact of an alleged bribery act on the outcome of the Ejisu by-elections in the Ashanti Region.
The EC is confident about the uncompromising checks and balances implemented to ensure a fair and credible poll on Tuesday, April 30.
A video that captured Kwadaso MP Dr Kingsley Nyarko offering a white envelope to EC officials during the election period appears to have marred and stirred controversy.
The alleged video captures Dr Nyarko removing an envelope from his pocket and dropping it on the table manned by the Presiding Officer and Ballot Issuer at the Fumesua Pentecost Church polling station.
Commenting on the development after inspections at various polling stations, the Director of Electoral Services at the Electoral Commission EC, Dr Serebour Quaicoe, said the actions of Dr Nyarko “doesn’t have any effect on the integrity of the elections”.
He continued: “I didn’t see what transpired.
“The attempt was to give it to the official, but the official didn’t pick it up after it was placed on the table”.
“If you watch the video critically, the officers refused what was being given to them, so I don’t see how it will affect the integrity of the elections,” he emphasised.
Meanwhile, an official statement from the EC said that an expedited investigation into the matter has been activated and that the police will be invited if necessary.
The commission assured that it will continue to uphold the principles and values of integrity, truth and transparency.
According to the EC, these values are reinforced during the training of all temporary staff.
The commission warned that it will not countenance acts which cast a slur on the integrity of the institutions and will not hesitate to sanction its officials who violate its laws.
The Ejisu seat became vacant after the late lawmaker and deputy Finance Minister Dr John Kumah died after a short illness on March 7, 2024.
Six individuals are contesting the elections: NPP candidate Kwabena Boateng; Kwabena Owusu Aduomi, a defected former NPP MP who is now running as an independent candidate; Esther Osei (CPP); Beatrice Boakye (LPG); Gabriel Agyemang Joseph (Independent); and Attakorah Joseph (Independent).