How to resolve AdBlock issue? What kind of stupidity is this? John Dumelo Criticizes Ayawaso West MP Lydia Alhassan Over Food Distribution During Special Voting
Wednesday, 04 December 2024 | Ghana
Tension flared in the Ayawaso West Wuogon constituency during the special voting exercise as John Dumelo, the parliamentary candidate for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), criticized the actions of Lydia Alhassan, the incumbent Member of Parliament. Dumelo condemned the MP for distributing food to voters and election officials at polling stations, a move he described as a violation of Electoral Commission rules and an attempt to influence the process.
Lydia Alhassan, representing the New Patriotic Party (NPP), was seen offering food packs to individuals in the voting queue and to Electoral Commission (EC) officials and security personnel supervising the exercise. This sparked outrage from Dumelo, who expressed his frustrations in an interview with JoyNews correspondent Kwaku Asante.
In his remarks, Dumelo questioned the rationale behind distributing food to voters who had not yet cast their ballots. He asserted that the act undermined the integrity of the election process, describing it as inappropriate and disrespectful to electoral regulations.
“Why are you sharing food with people in the queue? Why are you doing that? Does it mean we cannot share food too? We can also share the same, but let’s respect the rules of the Electoral Commission. Don’t share anything with people in the queue who have not voted yet. And you’re sharing food, and we don’t even know what’s in the thing,” Dumelo stated angrily. He further described the act as "stupidity" and warned against similar attempts to sway voters.
Dumelo also emphasized that the NDC could replicate such actions if provoked but insisted on the importance of maintaining fairness during the elections. “Why? Do they think we can’t do it? We can do the same and even worse. They shouldn’t even try us,” he warned.
This incident drew further attention as JoyNews’ Prince Kwame Kudogah reported similar occurrences in the Ayawaso Central Constituency. According to Kudogah, both the NPP and NDC distributed breakfast packs to EC officials supervising the voting process. The revelation suggests that food sharing among political parties may be a widespread practice during elections, raising questions about its implications for the integrity of Ghana’s democratic processes.
Both Dumelo and Alhassan had earlier expressed optimism about their prospects in the election, highlighting their commitment to serving the constituents of Ayawaso West Wuogon. However, the controversy surrounding the food distribution has shifted focus to the need for stricter adherence to electoral rules to ensure a free and fair process.
As the special voting exercise progresses, the incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced in maintaining neutrality and transparency during elections. It also underscores the importance of fostering trust in Ghana’s democratic institutions by avoiding actions that could be perceived as attempts to unduly influence voters or officials.
Lydia Alhassan, representing the New Patriotic Party (NPP), was seen offering food packs to individuals in the voting queue and to Electoral Commission (EC) officials and security personnel supervising the exercise. This sparked outrage from Dumelo, who expressed his frustrations in an interview with JoyNews correspondent Kwaku Asante.
In his remarks, Dumelo questioned the rationale behind distributing food to voters who had not yet cast their ballots. He asserted that the act undermined the integrity of the election process, describing it as inappropriate and disrespectful to electoral regulations.
“Why are you sharing food with people in the queue? Why are you doing that? Does it mean we cannot share food too? We can also share the same, but let’s respect the rules of the Electoral Commission. Don’t share anything with people in the queue who have not voted yet. And you’re sharing food, and we don’t even know what’s in the thing,” Dumelo stated angrily. He further described the act as "stupidity" and warned against similar attempts to sway voters.
Dumelo also emphasized that the NDC could replicate such actions if provoked but insisted on the importance of maintaining fairness during the elections. “Why? Do they think we can’t do it? We can do the same and even worse. They shouldn’t even try us,” he warned.
This incident drew further attention as JoyNews’ Prince Kwame Kudogah reported similar occurrences in the Ayawaso Central Constituency. According to Kudogah, both the NPP and NDC distributed breakfast packs to EC officials supervising the voting process. The revelation suggests that food sharing among political parties may be a widespread practice during elections, raising questions about its implications for the integrity of Ghana’s democratic processes.
Both Dumelo and Alhassan had earlier expressed optimism about their prospects in the election, highlighting their commitment to serving the constituents of Ayawaso West Wuogon. However, the controversy surrounding the food distribution has shifted focus to the need for stricter adherence to electoral rules to ensure a free and fair process.
As the special voting exercise progresses, the incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced in maintaining neutrality and transparency during elections. It also underscores the importance of fostering trust in Ghana’s democratic institutions by avoiding actions that could be perceived as attempts to unduly influence voters or officials.