Democracy is Not For Sale: Damongo Queen Mother links women’s acceptance of vote-buying to poverty, illiteracy and unemployment

The Queen Mother of the Damongo Traditional Area, Alijata Haruna, has linked women's acceptance of vote-buying in the Savannah Region to poverty, illiteracy, and limited employment opportunities. During a "Democracy is Not For Sale" forum organized by JoyNews in Damongo, Haruna made her remarks on Friday, September 25. She responded to inquiries about why some women view cash received during elections as a typical gesture, despite concerns that such inducements could sway their voting choices.

Haruna explained that the economic struggles of some women make it challenging for them to refuse gifts offered by political figures. She highlighted the high illiteracy rate among women in the Savannah Region and pointed out that these women might accept the hundred cedis given to them as a necessity due to their dire economic circumstances.

Haruna emphasized that tackling the underlying socio-economic conditions affecting women should be a priority in addressing the issue of vote-buying. The forum aimed to stimulate public discourse on electoral integrity and the elements that could compromise the democratic process.