Renowned broadcaster Kweku Sintim-Misa (KSM) has warned against potential efforts to manipulate the forthcoming December 7, 2024, general elections.
In his view, election manipulation typically happens well in advance of the actual voting day, contrary to popular belief that it occurs solely on the election day.
During the recent episode of his TalkShop program, KSM emphasized that election rigging could be orchestrated by various entities, including both incumbent and opposition political factions.
He consequently urged the leadership of the Electoral Commission of Ghana (EC) to enact safeguards to forestall any attempts at rigging.
“Rigging doesn’t happen on the day of the election. If you are waiting for election rigging on the actual election day, you have waited too long. Rigging begins long before the elections. And it can be perpetrated by anyone. It can come from the government, or even from the opposition, who may rig elections in their strongholds.
“So, when I mention rigging, I don’t want those in government to assume I’m only referring to them – I’m simply emphasizing the importance of a free and fair process. To the office of the electoral commissioner, please, everything depends on you now. You hold the future of Ghana in your hands,” he said.
The seasoned broadcaster raised alarm over recent developments within the commission, citing concerns such as reports of missing election equipment.
He called upon the commission to promptly resolve any election-related matters, regardless of their perceived insignificance, to foster public trust.
“Recently, there have been too many small incidents. As the Electoral Commission, whatever the issue, no matter how insignificant it may sound, resolve it. You don’t want people to suspect irregularities. For instance, there are reports of missing BVD machines. Missing from the Electoral Commission’s office. How could the Electoral Commission not have CCTV cameras monitoring these machines, which are now missing?
“This is what I’m referring to. Are these machines truly missing? If so, then people have the right to ask questions.”