NDC’s Internal Elections: A Test of Democratic Credentials

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) deserves commendation for conducting nationwide constituency executive elections over the weekend. However, the reports of vote-buying, gunshots, and violence that marred the exercise in several constituencies cast a dark shadow over what should have been a celebration of internal democracy. As a party that has long positioned itself as a champion of good governance and electoral integrity, the NDC must now demonstrate that it practices what it preaches.

The incidents are deeply troubling. In Sefwi Akontombra, police fired multiple gunshots after suspected thugs snatched ballot papers, disrupting voting and leading to an arrest. In Odododiodioo, sorting and counting were suspended following violence that erupted shortly after polls closed. In Suhum, candidates were accused of distributing refrigerators, clothing, and money to influence delegates, a blatant form of vote-buying that undermines the very essence of democratic participation. Similar allegations of ballot photographing, a practice often linked to vote-buying and intimidation, led to arrests in Bimbilla and Wa Central.

These developments are not merely internal party matters. They are a matter of national concern. Political parties are the nurseries of democracy. When violence and monetary inducements become acceptable tools in internal elections, they inevitably seep into national contests, eroding public confidence in the electoral process and weakening the fabric of our democracy. The NDC’s own history makes these reports particularly damaging to its credibility.

To its credit, the party has pledged to investigate the allegations. Deputy Director of Elections Rashid Tanko-Computer has stated that the NDC will examine complaints provided credible evidence is presented. This is a welcome assurance, but assurances alone are insufficient. The party must go further: it must proactively investigate all reported incidents, publish its findings, and sanction those found culpable, regardless of their status or connections. A mere promise to “take notice” of evidence will not restore confidence. The NDC must demonstrate that it takes internal democracy seriously by ensuring that the forthcoming investigations are transparent, swift, and impartial.

Furthermore, the party’s claim that it observed no vote-buying in areas where elections were held stands in stark contrast to the reports from Suhum, Bimbilla, and Wa Central. This disconnect between official pronouncements and on-the-ground realities is concerning. The NDC must resist the temptation to downplay the severity of these incidents. Denial will not make the problem disappear; it will only deepen public cynicism.

We call on the NDC’s National Executives to establish an independent mechanism to review the elections, involving respected party elders and external observers of unimpeachable integrity. The party should also issue clear guidelines for future internal elections, including strict prohibitions on vote-buying, the deployment of security personnel to prevent violence, and a transparent dispute-resolution process. These measures are not just about fixing a single election; they are about reaffirming the party’s commitment to the democratic values it claims to uphold.

The NDC has an opportunity to turn this setback into a moment of renewal. By holding itself to the highest standards of electoral conduct, the party can send a powerful message that it is truly ready to govern not just by winning elections, but by respecting the principles that make elections meaningful. The alternative of allowing violence and vote-buying to fester would not only damage the party’s reputation but also undermine the very democracy it seeks to lead.

The New Publisher urges the NDC to act decisively.