It is illegal for politicians to influence the electorate for their votes – Offinsohene

Nana Wiafe Akenten III, Omanhene of Offinso Traditional Area has called on politicians to refrain from influencing the electorate with money for their votes.      He said such acts were not only morally wrong and illegal but also militated against the tenets and development of democracy.      Nana Wiafe Akenten made the call when addressing a public forum on "Towards an Effective Participation in Violence Free Election" organized by Offinso Municipal Directorate of National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) at Amoawi.      He urged the youth not to follow politicians blindly saying "you would follow somebody, fight for the person but be abandoned later. Let the development of Offinso be your priority before politics."      Nana Wiafe Akenten said although chiefs had been barred from active politics, they would not allow politicians to indulge in acts that were undemocratic and impede development in society.       Dr Kwame Opoku-Afriyie, Member of NCCE said its responsibility was to educate people on their civic, social and constitutional rights.       He pledged the commitment of the Commission to avoid intimidation, the electorate voting against their conscience and urged the electorate to endeavour to be abreast with manifestoes of the various political parties before they give them their assent.      Mr Yaw Kusi Aborah, Ashanti Regional Director of NCCE commended Offinsohene for his regular contribution and participation towards civic education organized by the Commission in the area.      He said since the 1992 Constitution did not encourage a Party State there was the need for all and sundry to tolerate each other's views without any prejudice.      Mr Aborah urged women to advise their husbands and children to refrain from negative political tendencies that might create confusion in the country because they suffer most in conflict areas.      Police Chief Superintendent Kojo Appiagyei, Offinso Divisional Police Commander appealed to political parties to abide by the Public Order Act to ensure peace and tranquility before during and after Election 2008.      He stressed that political parties had no role to play on the Election Day which was under the supervision of Electoral Officials.      Police Chief Superintendent Appiagyei, urged the electorate and other stakeholders to play their roles peacefully to ensure free, fair and credible election.       Mr Asante Boahen, Offinso Municipal Electoral Officer explained the electoral procedures to the people and warned that any violation of the electoral laws would lead to arrest and prosecution of the perpetrator. GNA