The Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) has strongly condemned widespread electoral malpractices during the Ablekuma North parliamentary rerun, calling for urgent reforms and accountability.
In a statement issued on July 14, 2025, CODEO decried reports of vote-buying, violence, intimidation, and lapses in security that marred the July 11 rerun. Although the coalition did not deploy observers to the 19 polling stations, it monitored events through media coverage and stakeholder reports.
“The voting process was tainted by serious irregularities, including assaults on election officials, journalists, and two female politicians,” CODEO noted.
The coalition commended the Ghana Police Service for interdicting an officer who assaulted a journalist but urged swifter prosecution of all culprits involved in the violence.
CODEO also criticized both the NPP and NDC for engaging in reckless conduct and using inflammatory language, accusing political actors of failing to learn from past election-related violence.
“This dangerous culture of impunity must stop,” the statement warned.
One of the gravest concerns was the conduct of police officers at the St. Peter’s Society Polling Station, who reportedly stood by as thugs stormed the premises and attacked agents and politicians.
CODEO has called on President John Mahama and the Police Council to launch a constitutional inquiry under Article 202(2).
The coalition warned that failure to act now could jeopardize upcoming by-elections, including one in Akwatia, and erode public confidence in democratic processes.
“We urge all stakeholders, political parties, the Electoral Commission, the police, and the judiciary, to reflect and implement decisive reforms,” CODEO concluded.
