Vote-buying: A disheartening situation undermining Ghana’s democracy and a prospective cause of economic hardship [ARTICLE]

With the evolution of democracy, citizens now possess the right to participate in decision-making in governance, especially in choosing their leaders. They are allowed to look critically at policies presented by aspiring leaders. If they agree with policies addressing their grievances, such a leader is mandated to lead. This explains the definition of democracy by Abraham Lincoln, ‘Government of the people, for the people, and by the people.” The issue of vote buying tends to undermine this principle.

Vote buying is where voters are offered incentives in exchange for their votes and political support. In Ghana, these incentives come in the form of money, food, electrical appliances, kitchen wares, clothes, and other necessities. Though vote buying has been criminalised and considered an offence of bribery, it is becoming more prevalent as the days go by. Recently, there have been accusations of Ejisu by-elections being characterised by vote-buying. The NDC Presidential and Parliamentary primaries also witnessed instances where delegates were running for money at Ejura Sekyeredumase during the entry of parliamentary aspirant Juliana Kinang Wassan, which caught the attention of the Office of the Special Prosecutor. The NPP’s presidential primaries witnessed an intensive display of cash from leading candidates to influence the votes of delegates. Also, at Ejura Sekyeredumase, some delegates refused to cast their vote if aspirants failed to give them incentives.

Effects of Vote Buying on Ghana’s Democracy

Vote buying distorts the democratic process by prioritising financial transactions over the genuine preferences of voters, which undermines the principle of free and fair elections. Voters are manipulated to make decisions based on financial gain without critically examining the candidates’ qualifications or the policies. However, elected officials who win through vote-buying might focus on their parochial interests rather than public service or the work they were mandated to do. It also erodes public trust in the electoral process and political institutions, thereby leading to disengagement from democratic processes. Citizens will no longer accept the electoral results presented to them because it will be assumed that those results might have been manipulated. 

As part of democratic principles, the concept of equal representation and participation is overlooked. Vote buying discourages uprising political enthusiasts from participating in politics. With vote-buying becoming the new normal, people who may be competent enough yet not financially sound turn to losing interest in participating in politics since they cannot afford the expenses involved. However, politics is thereby left for the wealthy, who may not even be competent enough. 

A Prospective Cause of Economic Hardship

When politicians engage in vote buying, they often do so with funds obtained through corrupt practices or by prioritising personal or party interest over public welfare. This can lead to inefficient allocation of resources and poor governance, which stifles economic development. Candidates who have bought votes may feel compelled to implement policies that benefit their supporters or funders rather than the public. These policies can be economically detrimental, such as favouring short-term unsustainable projects over long-term development goals. Vote buying can also reinforce existing inequalities. When candidates use vote-buying to secure power, they may neglect marginalised communities and channel resources towards areas with concentrated political support, thereby increasing economic disparity. Corruption and inefficiency can create an unsuitable environment for both domestic and foreign investors. Also, once such candidates secure power, they may be compelled to amass wealth to replace all that they have lost during the process of securing power. Not to forget that the money spent on buying votes may either come from their personal coffers or funders.

Possible Solutions to Combat This Menace

As the 2024 election is already approaching, it is important to put in some measures to curtail the problem of vote buying. Below are some possible solutions. 

Civic Education: There should be an extensive civic education for voters. This is where the role of the NCCE comes in. The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) was created by Chapter 19 of the 1992 Constitution and established by Act 452 of 1993. The Commission’s mandate is to create and promote, through civic education, an understanding and commitment to democracy and inculcate in the citizenry awareness of their rights and obligations. The NCCE must buckle up in performing their roles; creating awareness all over the country, especially in marginalised communities since they are mostly victims of this practice. The Commission must extensively educate voters on vote buying and its consequences and encourage citizens to engage in civic activities and political participation beyond elections. This can help electorates become more active and make informed and wise decisions in voting for candidates, hence making it harder for vote-buying to be effective. To achieve this, the Commission must also be adequately resourced in terms of logistics, money, and other necessities as an institution to undertake its duties effectively.

Strengthening and enforcing anti-corruption laws: Vote buying can be curtailed when anti-corruption laws and regulations regarding electoral conduct are strictly enforced. This includes enhancing penalties for those caught engaging in or facilitating vote buying.

Transparency and monitoring: More rigorous monitoring systems, such as increased oversight by independent bodies and the use of technologies, should be implemented during elections to help detect and prevent vote buying.

In a nutshell, I believe that Ghana can break free from the bondage of vote buying and other corrupt practices, thereby protecting and preserving our democratic principles and enhancing development in the country.

Article by

Hillary Esa Agbanaglo 

She is a vibrant young girl pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Translation Studies at the University of Media, Arts and Communications – Institute of Languages. Here, she studies languages including English, French, and Arabic. She loves to read and research. She is a volunteer at the YAFO Institute.