Election 2024: NDC won’t cheat so we’ll not allow anybody to cheat us – Mahama
John Dramani Mahama, the flagbearer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), has urged party members to remain vigilant as the December 7 elections approach. Speaking in the Sekondi constituency of the Western Region on Monday, November 25, 2024, Mahama accused the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) of conspiring with the Electoral Commission (EC) to manipulate the upcoming elections.
Allegations of Electoral Manipulation
Mahama alleged that the NPP had recruited 65 of its card-holding members as temporary EC staff for the polls in Gomoa East, a constituency in the Central Region. He further claimed similar incidents had been uncovered in the Juaboso constituency, where NPP members were also allegedly embedded within the EC.
“I’ve seen a video from Gomoa East which contains a recording showing that one NPP MP and his executives submitted 65 party members to an EC official who added them,” he said.
Mahama warned that individuals with partisan affiliations embedded in the election management process could compromise the fairness of the elections. “If such a person is the one at the polling station, do you think he will allow the polls to be fair?” he questioned.
NDC’s Position on Fairness
The former President emphasized that the NDC does not intend to cheat in the elections but will not stand idly by while alleged attempts are made to subvert the electoral process. He urged the EC to act swiftly to remove any individuals proven to be partisan from its temporary staff list to ensure a credible election.
“We expect the EC to replace those 65 persons when they are fished out,” Mahama stated, calling for transparency and fairness in the electoral process.
Call for Vigilance
Addressing NDC members, Mahama underscored the importance of vigilance during the elections to safeguard the integrity of the process. “We all have to be vigilant and keenly observe the polls because we can vote well, but some thieves will rig it,” he warned.
The allegations have sparked further debate on the impartiality of the Electoral Commission and the conduct of the upcoming elections. As tensions heighten, all eyes will be on the EC to address concerns and ensure a transparent process.
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