{
  "id": 17448355,
  "title": "Make vote-buying costly in party elections — Bernard Mornah",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/31/make-vote-buying-costly-in-party-elections-bernard-mornah",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-31T18:05:28.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
    "slug": "myjoyonline-ghana",
    "url": "https://www.myjoyonline.com/make-vote-buying-costly-in-party-elections-bernard-mornah/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Bernard Anbataayela Mornah, leader of the People’s National Convention (PNC), has urged political parties to make vote-buying financially burdensome and promote transparency in campaign financing. He emphasized that allowing voters to be swayed by money risks diminishing the importance of competence and dedication to public service. In a statement, Mornah called for a unified response across all parties, encouraging them to adopt rules that can be effectively enforced. Prohibition of inducements Mornah proposed that parties should explicitly forbid the use of cash, gifts, mobile money transfers, and payments through intermediaries to influence votes. Candidates would be held accountable for any inducements they authorize or unknowingly finance, with responsibility determined through evidence. Spending limits Mornah advocated for realistic spending limits and mandatory disclosure of donations, their sources, and expenditure by candidates, including support in goods or services. Independent audits and publicly accessible summaries of the financial data were also recommended. Election day support Parties should provide basic transportation and refreshments for candidates in a standardized manner, along with transparent costs and equal access to all candidates, to deter the disguise of inducements as legitimate expenses. \"Candidates should refrain from providing personal allowances to delegates,\" Mornah added. Candidate forums Mornah proposed mandatory forums where candidates would be required to explain their backgrounds, understanding of the office, and practical plans. Candidates should have equal access to party members through official channels to ensure that personal wealth does not dictate whose message is presented. Sanctions Mornah called for an impartial complaints panel with confidential reporting channels, clear evidence standards, and fixed decision timelines. Violations of these rules could result in appropriate sanctions, such as disqualification or annulment, provided the rules are established in advance and subject to appeal. Lower cost of contesting He also suggested moderate nomination fees, shorter campaign periods, and shared campaign platforms to enable capable candidates without wealthy supporters to compete on a more level playing field. Strengthening parties Mornah suggested that increasing regular membership fees, promoting transparent fundraising practices, and enhancing political education could help reduce reliance on financial backers, fostering a new generation of leaders motivated by service, integrity, and ability. Mornah stressed that these measures are proposed reforms, not existing legal requirements, and should align with Ghanaian law and party constitutions. Adopting these safeguards before the next internal elections, he urged, and suggested that each candidate submit a campaign finance declaration, with the party publishing a financial compliance report post-election.",
  "summary": "The leader of the People's National Convention (PNC), Bernard Anbataayela Mornah, has called on political parties to make vote-buying costly, campaign financing transparent, and competence central to the selection of leaders.",
  "key_points": [
    "Mornah urges parties to make vote-buying financially burdensome.",
    "Proposes explicit ban on cash, gifts, mobile money, and intermediaries.",
    "Calls for transparent spending limits, disclosure, and independent audits."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}