Ejisu by-election: Alleged bribery an ugly spectacle – Political scientist

A political scientist, Dr Kwame Asah-Asante, has condemned the alleged bribery incident caught on camera at a polling station in the ongoing Ejisu constituency by-election.

The viral video depicts Kwadaso MP Dr Kingsley Nyarko placing a white envelope on the table before the EC officials during the Ejisu by-election.

Reacting to the video, Dr Asah-Asante said this single act has marred the credibility of the otherwise peaceful process.

He said although the content of the white envelope is yet to be ascertained, the timing of the ‘gift’ was completely wrong and cast a shadow on the election’s fairness.

“This envelope incident is very unfortunate. Even if there is no intention to influence anybody, pulling out something like that at the time is very wrong. Whatever the intention, it is not meant to be so.

“He should have known better and acted well. It’s an ugly spectacle we don’t want to see in an election,” Dr Asah-Asante said.

He also called for an extensive investigation into the matter to clear all doubts.

READ ALSO: EC Withdraws Two Staff Captured In Viral Video Receiving Bribe

Meanwhile, the Electoral Commission has announced that it has withdrawn the two temporary staff seen in the video.

In a statement, the EC said it has launched an expedited investigation into the issue.

The commission assured that it will continue to uphold the principles and values of integrity, truth and transparency.

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.