A young man was arrested earlier today at the Ayawaso West Wuogon constituency during special voting for violating Ghana’s electoral laws by taking a photo of his ballot paper after casting his vote.
The incident, which took place at the Legon Campus polling station, sparked immediate action from law enforcement officers present at the scene. In a video circulating on social media, the police can be seen apprehending the voter as onlookers expressed shock and disapproval.
The act contravenes Article 49(1) of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, which states that elections shall be conducted by secret ballot.
The provision shows the importance of protecting the integrity and confidentiality of the electoral process, ensuring that voters make their choices freely without fear of exposure or intimidation.
This arrest highlights a growing trend of voters sharing photos of their ballot papers, often on social media platforms.
Electoral experts and civil society organizations have raised concerns about this practice, warning that it undermines the principles of secret voting and poses risks to the credibility of the electoral process.
The Electoral Commission (EC) has repeatedly cautioned voters against such actions, emphasizing that photographing or sharing one’s ballot is a breach of electoral laws and could result in arrest and prosecution.
Special voting, held ahead of the December 7 general elections, allows security personnel, journalists, and election officials to cast their votes early to ensure they can perform their duties on election day.
The arrest serves as a stark reminder of the need for all voters to adhere to electoral rules and respect the confidentiality of the voting process.
As Ghana approaches its crucial elections, the EC and security agencies are urging citizens to uphold the values of transparency and integrity that have long characterized the nation’s democratic system.