‘A politician is not an NGO’ – Inusah Fuseini on the cost of seeking office

Former Tamale Central Member of Parliament Inusah Fuseini has warned against the increasing use of money to sway internal party elections, asserting that financial inducements threaten the integrity of the electoral process. He stated that the presence of vote-buying in recent National Democratic Congress (NDC) constituency executive elections was alarming, and that political parties risk undermining democratic values when candidates use cash to appeal to delegates.

During an interview on Joy News’ PM Express, Fuseini emphasized that even when money does not dictate the outcome, its presence is detrimental. He argued that voters can still make independent decisions, despite efforts to sway their choices, and that the experience should serve as a caution to politicians who believe they can win through financial means.

Fuseini expressed concern that the emphasis on money in internal party contests could divert attention from a candidate's competence, ideas, and commitment to public service. He also warned that the trend could exclude candidates who lack the financial resources to compete, regardless of their leadership qualities or support from party members.

To illustrate his point, Fuseini referenced the election results, noting that candidates who spent more money did not always secure victories. He cited specific examples, including candidates Babar and Jamal, and mentioned a candidate who received only one vote, suggesting that voters could still make their own choices regardless of what they received.

His comments underscore the distinction between the presence of financial inducements and their actual impact on voting decisions. Even when voters resist attempts to influence their choices, the practice remains damaging to the credibility of elections. Fuseini emphasized the need to safeguard internal democracy and ensure transparent elections, enforce party rules, and encourage delegates to evaluate candidates based on their leadership records and ideas.

He acknowledged that money alone might not determine the outcome but warned that its presence could compromise the integrity of the process and erode confidence in party democracy.