Akim Oda MP Supports Call for Law Criminalising Vote Buying to Improve Quality of Parliament
Story by Azaglo Michael
Member of Parliament for Akim Oda Constituency within the Eastern Region is backing the proposal for a new law aimed at criminalising money in politics.
He indicated in an interview with Nation 1 news calling for a law that makes it a crime to pay money in elections, arguing this is necessary to improve the quality of representation in Parliament.
The law maker said Parliamentary work has to do with brains and not pockets, stressing that voters should elect people based on competence rather than wealth.
His remarks comes at the back of stakeholders call for a law to criminalize money in politics.
He expressed concern that if the current trend continues, Parliament will be filled with wealthy individuals who cannot contribute meaningfully to legislative work.
According to him, the competence of a parliamentarian can be determined by their contribution to debates and parliamentary duties.
He noted that some rich MPs do not take part in parliamentary work and do not contribute to discussions, but are only in the House to add to the numbers.
He added that such persons continue to return to Parliament because they have money to influence voters to keep voting for them.
The participant insisted that beyond the ongoing reforms, there must be a clear law that openly criminalises the payment of money in elections.
He concluded that such legislation is urgently needed to ensure that only reasonable and capable persons are elected to represent the people.


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