Avoid vote-buying and vote-selling syndromes in 2024 general elections – Catholic Bishops

The Electoral Commission (EC) has been urged by the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC) to consider the concerns expressed by voters and political parties about certain of its proposed changes for the general election of 2024.

It urged the EC to hold free, fair, and transparent elections and used the use of indelible ink as an example.

The GCBC asked the EC to continue serving as an impartial umpire in a Lenten pastoral letter signed by its president, the Most Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, in an effort to boost public trust in the electoral process.

Additionally, it demanded that all political parties support the EC’s independence and work with it to hold free, fair, and transparent elections.

The pastoral letter was on the theme: “We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled with God” (2 Cor 5:20).

The GCBC also called on all Ghanaians to duly undertake their civic duties, saying that “the common good of Ghanaians and the development of our nation should guide us in all our actions.”

It said while the 1992 Constitution allowed for multi-party democracy, that did not mean antagonism, violence, hatred, bitterness, quarrels, killings and the like.
“It rather means, different perspectives, approaches and processes to achieve the national goals for the good of all citizens and posterity,” it said.

The GCBC entreated the electorate to exercise their right to vote diligently during the elections and urged Ghanaians to resolve to make a significant difference in the 2024 campaign, voting process, results announcement, and aftermath.

Ghanaians found it appealing to stay away from the tendencies of buying and selling votes.

The GCBC emphasized that “these devices are not to be used to fuel hate and violent speeches, but to promote peace, truth, and justice in view of a better Ghana.” They further urged Ghanaians to use social media, the Internet, and mobile phones in a more positive and better way, particularly in this digital age where anybody could be a journalist.

Source: Ghanatodayonline.com