The National Election Security Task Force (NESTF), chaired by Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, has issued a stern warning to political parties against deploying well-built individuals, popularly known as "machomen," to intimidate voters during the December 7 elections.
Speaking during a follow-up engagement with political party representatives on December 3, Dr. Dampare condemned the practice of using party-affiliated individuals disguised in state security uniforms to cause disruptions at polling stations.
He stressed that such acts would not be tolerated, as the Task Force is determined to ensure a peaceful and transparent electoral process.
“This culture of machoism, which makes people think that biceps are ways to determine the strength of a person, will not be tolerated,” the IGP stated emphatically.
“If any of such people is found closer to a polling station, a community, an environment, or a collation center trying to intimidate the people, we will find a place for that person to sleep.”
Dr. Dampare further assured the representatives of the Task Force’s impartiality, explaining that the meeting was organized to share their plans for maintaining peace during the polls.
"We have brought you here to inform you of our plans so that when we begin to act, you [political parties] won’t say that we have taken sides,” he noted.
The NESTF Chair also warned against the manipulation of state security uniforms by party foot soldiers, cautioning that the Task Force would deal decisively with anyone found engaging in such practices.
Representatives of the major political parties, including the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP), expressed satisfaction with the measures laid out by the Task Force.
Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, General Secretary of the NDC, pledged that the party would instruct its members working on election day to comply with the Task Force’s guidelines.
Evans Nimako, Director of Elections for the NPP, commended the security mechanisms in place but raised concerns over the spread of misinformation and disinformation during the electoral process.
Other political parties, such as the Convention People’s Party (CPP) and the All Peoples Congress (APC), echoed calls for collaboration with security personnel at polling stations to ensure a violent-free election.
The December 3 engagement follows an earlier meeting held two weeks ago, where NESTF and political parties discussed strategies to maintain law and order before, during, and after the elections.
Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith
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