Coalition of Election Observers (CODEO) has  condemned a wave of violence, vote-buying, and brazen intimidation that marred the July 11 rerun of the parliamentary election in Ablekuma North. The group is demanding swift investigations, accountability, and urgent reforms to rescue the country’s democratic integrity.

While CODEO did not deploy observers to the 19 polling stations involved, it monitored events through media reports and firsthand accounts. What they heard was disturbing.

“The voting process was marred by incidents of vote-buying, serious lapses in security, intimidation, and violence at some polling stations,” the coalition reported.

Assaults on Journalists and Politicians

Among the most troubling revelations were reports of physical attacks on election officials, journalists, and two female politicians. One police officer accused of assaulting a journalist has been interdicted—but CODEO wants more.

“We urge the police to move with alacrity to apprehend and prosecute all persons involved in the acts of violence,” the statement read.

Parties Under Fire

Both of Ghana’s major political parties—the NPP and NDC—came under heavy criticism. CODEO accused party operatives of fueling the chaos and described their behavior as “reckless” and “detrimental to Ghana’s democratic progress.”

“It is clear that political party actors are unwilling to learn from the many years of election-related violence,” the coalition lamented, warning of the deepening culture of impunity.

Police Watchdog or Bystander?

Perhaps the most damning part of CODEO’s assessment centered on the Ghana Police Service.

At the St. Peter’s Society Polling Station in Odokor, officers reportedly stood by as armed thugs stormed the area and attacked political agents and candidates. CODEO didn’t mince words: “The emasculation of the Police Service is a clear and present danger.”

The coalition is calling on President John Mahama and the Police Council to invoke their constitutional powers under Article 202(2) to launch a full-scale investigation into police conduct during the rerun.

Bigger Questions Ahead

With another by-election looming in Akwatia, CODEO warned that without concrete reforms, the nation risks sliding deeper into a dangerous pattern of electoral violence and political lawlessness.

“We call on all stakeholders—especially political actors, security agencies, the Electoral Commission, and the judiciary—to reflect, reform, and act,” the statement urged.