Expect more electoral Violence
August 18, 2009
In my discussion on Tuesday following election related violence in the Akwatia Constituency, I sought to understand why incidents of electoral violence persists in Ghana despite acclamations that we are a mature democracy that should serve as an example to other African countries.
On sunday, supporters of the NPP and NDC in Akwatia constituency resorted to sporadic gunshots, machette attacks and vandalising of vehicles as tensions rose ahead of Tuesday’s re-run of parliamentary elections in six (6) Polling stations in the constituency.
The attacks come on the back of reports that Tension is rising in the Chiripone constuency ahead of a bye-election there and in the Bawku Central constituency ahead of another possible bye-election. Following similar incidents of election related violence recorded in the December 2008 elections, we have been wondering on the Super Morning Show, how we can eschew violence and intimidation from elections.
contributors to the discussion, argued that the state needs to severely punish perpetrators of electoral violence to make the phenomenon unattractive to the extent that others would desist from it. For instance if electoral fraud and violence (as was recorded in many places in the December 2008 poll) goes unpunished, it only encourages more violence in future elections.
My worry is that, in the absence of clear evidence of perpetrators of electoral fraud and violence being severely punished, we can only look forward to further violence in elections.
What has happened to the many reports of fraud, violence and intimidation in the Ashanti and Volta regions by both the NPP and NDC? How many people have been prosecuted and jailed?
If we do not send that clear message to the country that we would not continue to condone fraud, violence and intimidation during election, we are implicitly encouraging Politicians to resort to such underhand tactics to secure electoral victory.
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7 Responses to “Expect more electoral Violence”
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Separating fiction from fact is the real problem. We have the tendency to accept rumors first and think about it later instead of the the other way round is the real problem. Unscrupulous politicians, their cohorts and sympathizers(sometimes without their knowledge or approval) put a whole lot of rumors out there to whip up sentiments during elections but i agree with you. The very fact that these actions go unpunished is just unacceptable. I believe the BNI, Police and all the other security agencies need to be strong and do what they are supposed to do.
Kojo, i couldn’t i agree more. I believe the problem stems from ignorance. People allow politicians abuse them by giving them “chicken change” ie GHc10 or GHc20 to forment trouble and cause stir. Before they realise politicians are using them as a means to achieve their selfish ends it will too late.
Kojo, i couldn’t i agree more. I believe the problem stems from ignorance. People allow politicians abuse them by giving them “chicken change” ie GHc10 or GHc20 to forment trouble and cause stir. Before they realise politicians are only using them as a means to achieve their selfish ends, it will be too late. They would have destroyed this beautiful country.
Haruna Ocran, Nima.
WHAT HAPPENED TO BUILDINGS ON OUR WATERS WAYS?
soon the intended demolition is forgotten and same time next year we will
again hear this same treat from government as a measure to a long lasting solution
we are and will continue to be the Africans we are ,who will only take action in times of disasters but not take proactive measure to curb unforeseen circumstances.
our people in government should just do what is right and beneficial to all but not do just for the gain of support to a political party
Regards
Isaac
AWOSHIE-ANYAAH
I hear say tomorrow is joyfm old skul reunion,. so joyfm is promoting what? and what will joyfm get from this? i am anti old skul reunion. What is good about old skul days? so they re try to bring back old boyfriends and girlfriends who are now marriage together? If the station has got money use it to help poor us you usually every Easter or open stations stop SAKAWA things
its unfortunetae the coment u a sasoned journalist is making
is the NPP paying you for this
GOD SAVES YOU FRM HELL Kojo
I think it is time we used a politician as a scape-goat for others in that category to realise that being a politician does not mean you can sit in the closet of your room and pull the strings for ‘THE PUPPETS” to dance to the tune.When that happens,it would send a clear signal that thay are not,and never will be, above the law.
Preferably,a government in power should use their own colleague for that ‘’scape-goating lesson”(that is when they are guilty)so that it wouldn’t send a wrong signal if an opposition member is used.When violence is committed by supporters,politicians should be dealt with,so that they in turn will advise their supporters accordingly.
.When my MP or Flagbearer is made to face the law,then i as a supporter will only have to think twice and not follow blindly.