Money Politics Is Killing Party Democracy and Undermining Credible Elections — Lawyer Bennie

Money Politics Is Killing Party Democracy and Undermining Credible Elections — Lawyer Bennie

The Deputy Managing Director of Ghana Post, Lawyer Stephen Kingsley Bennie, has cautioned political actors against the practice of vote buying, describing it as a serious threat to internal party democracy and the credibility of the electoral process.

Speaking in a phone interview with Hamza Mohammed on Stylish Radio’s morning programme, Stylish in the Morning, Lawyer Bennie shared his views on the ongoing National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary primaries, particularly developments in the Ayawaso East Constituency.

According to him, the growing trend of inducements and financial incentives offered to delegates and voters undermines the core principles of democracy, which are built on fairness, transparency, and the free will of the electorate.

He stressed that when money becomes the determining factor in elections, it weakens the legitimacy of candidates and erodes public confidence in political parties and the entire electoral system.

Lawyer Bennie noted that internal party elections are crucial in shaping the quality of leadership presented to the public in national contests. He explained that when vote buying is allowed to thrive, it prevents competent and visionary individuals from emerging, as the process becomes dominated by those with financial power rather than those with ideas and integrity.

He alleged that during the Ayawaso East primaries, some aspirants reportedly distributed items such as television sets, bags of rice, motorbikes, money, clothes, and other gifts to delegates in an attempt to influence their votes.

He therefore called on party leadership, delegates, and supporters to reject such practices and uphold the values of honesty, fairness, and accountability.

He also urged political parties to strengthen their internal regulations and enforcement mechanisms to deter vote buying and other electoral malpractices, adding that credible primaries are essential for building a strong and trustworthy democratic system.

Lawyer Bennie concluded by encouraging party members to focus on the long-term development of the party and the country, rather than short-term financial gains that could compromise the integrity of the electoral process.

Source:Bibianinews.com