IGP cautions political parties against use of ‘machomen’ to intimidate voters on election day
The National Election Security Task Force (NESTF) has issued a stern warning to political parties against using well-built individuals, often referred to as “machomen,” to intimidate voters during elections. Speaking at a meeting with political party representatives on December 3, NESTF Chairman Dr. George Akuffo Dampare condemned the practice of dressing party foot soldiers in state security uniforms to cause disruptions at polling stations. He emphasized the task force’s commitment to ensuring a peaceful and transparent election process, especially during the polls on December 7.
This engagement, a follow-up to a previous meeting held two weeks earlier, focused on election security concerns arising from police intelligence in specific constituencies. Dr. Dampare cautioned that the task force would not hesitate to take legal action against individuals who attempt to disrupt the voting process.
“This culture of machoism, which makes people think that biceps are ways to determine the strength of a person, will not be tolerated,” he declared. He added, “If any such individuals are found near polling stations, communities, or collation centers intimidating voters, we will find a place for that person to sleep.”
Dr. Dampare also reiterated that the task force’s approach is impartial, stating,
“We have brought you here to inform you of our plans so that when we begin to act, you (political parties) won’t say that we have taken sides.”
He emphasized that any attempt to impersonate security personnel by clothing party members in official uniforms would be dealt with decisively to protect the integrity of the election.
Political party representatives commended the NESTF for its proactive measures. Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), assured that the party would instruct its election-day appointees to adhere strictly to the task force’s guidelines. Similarly, Evans Nimako, Director of Elections for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), affirmed the party’s readiness to follow electoral rules. However, he voiced concerns about the rise of misinformation and disinformation surrounding the election process, calling for urgent measures to address this challenge. Both parties expressed confidence in the mechanisms set by NESTF to ensure a peaceful and credible election.