The Member of Parliament for Ayawaso West Wuogon, Lydia Alhassan has denied allegations of distributing items to voters at a polling station during the special voting exercise.
This follows reports and videos that emerged showing the MP at the Legon Police Station polling centre, where she was seen handing out bags of food and water to individuals in the voting queue.
In an interview with JoyNews addressing the claims, Lydia Alhassan said she was not even at the said polling station when the development reportedly ensued.
“I wasn’t here. I don’t know if you saw me here. I’ve been here since… I came here before 6 am, and I left here a few minutes ago, I don’t even know what you’re talking about.”
“I am yet to find out from them what happened.”
However, eyewitnesses, including journalists at the scene, reported seeing individuals linked to the MP handing out food to voters.
The incident caused some agitation at the polling centre, raising concerns about voter influence.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary candidate for Ayawaso West Wuogon, John Dumelo condemned the gesture.
“Why are you sharing food with people in the queue? Why are you doing that? Does it mean we cannot share food too? We can also share the same, but let’s respect the rules of the Electoral Commission. Don’t share anything with people in the queue who have not voted yet. And you’re sharing food and we don’t even know what’s in the thing, and you’re sharing to people who have not voted yet. What kind of stupidity is this” he quizzed.
Meanwhile, the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has since launched an investigation into the matter, collecting contact details of witnesses as part of their probe.
The Electoral Commission has yet to comment on the allegations, but election observers have reiterated the importance of adhering to rules that promote free and fair elections.
