Dec 7 elections: Council of State member campaigns against voter apathy

Council of State member, Sam Okudzeto, has urged Ghanaians to shun voter apathy ahead of the upcoming general elections, warning that refusing to vote could result in the election of leaders who might not truly represent the will of the people.

He spoke during an interview on the sidelines of the National Blood Donation Day launch in Accra on November 25.

Voter turnout is a crucial gauge of a democracy’s health which determines the level of confidence the citizenry has in political institutions and leaders.

In Ghana, voter apathy during elections has been a persistent issue, and many polls have projected an intense level of voter apathy likely to characterize the upcoming December elections.

It’s barely 12days to the polls and concerns have been rife on the need for a peaceful election with voter apathy dominating conversations among the populace.

In 2016, voter apathy was observed more in the Volta Region compared to 2020 elections.

This year’s is projected to be more, and the Council of State member warns that the consequences could be grave.

“Everyone should go and vote. When some people say, oh, for me. I don’t like this politician, so I will not vote. I say, well, I don’t want to say you are foolish, but what you are doing may amount to foolishness, because that one vote of yours may make a whole difference to who goes into office and what they are going to do. If you don’t do it, then don’t go and complain because you are negligent. Your refusal to vote has created a problem that is there. So, I’m making an appeal to all Ghanaians. Please on the 7th, wake up early, go and vote, and when you finish, watching, please go home and relax. You can wait for the evening. If you want to go the place.” He noted

He further entreated the citizenry to guard the country’s democratic status as a beacon of peace within the sub-region at all costs and desist from fostering violence during the elections.

“When you create confusion, when you create chaos, who knows you may lose a life. You may get so hurt that may be permanent for the rest of your life. So, there is no reason for anybody to create chaos or confusion. The decision is taken at the ballot box. Everyone should go peacefully to go and vote. Go, whoever you choose, vote for that person. If the person wins, good. If he does not win, there’s always another time.” He further noted.

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