The Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) has reported several electoral irregularities across the country, including harassment, violence, violations of voting procedures, vote-buying, bribery, and other malpractices.
CODEO’s Co-Chair, Rev. Dr. Fred Degbey shared the findings at a press conference in Accra during the organization’s mid-day situational report.
He explained that the incidents, which occurred in various regions, were reported by CODEO observers at polling stations using the Parallel Vote Tabulation (PVT) system.
Dr. Degbey highlighted 14 cases of intimidation and 13 instances of violence.
He said eight violations of voting procedures and three cases of vote-buying and bribery were recorded.
There were also 26 unconfirmed incidents reported from different areas.
Dr. Degbey cited the CMB Polling Station in Npunpunase, Tano South, Ahafo Region, where a faulty validation stamp on parliamentary ballot papers delayed the voting process.
At Nkunzesi Primary School in Nabdam, Upper East Region, party leaders from both the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) were seen instructing voters on who to vote for, leading to anger and fights that were later resolved by police.
At the Nungua Polling Station 1 in the Greater Accra Region, two verification machines malfunctioned for two hours, prompting electoral officers to ask voters to return later.
Despite these challenges, Dr. Degbey praised the Electoral Commission (EC) officials for addressing the issues promptly, allowing the voting process to continue smoothly.
He urged the public to stay calm and exercise their right to vote if they haven’t already.
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