Michel Martelly registers for Haiti's December 13 general elections

NDC pledges to investigate vote-buying in constituency elections

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has declared its readiness to launch formal investigations into any allegations of vote-buying during its nationwide constituency elections, provided that credible evidence is presented. Rashid Tanko-Computer, the party’s Deputy Director of Elections, affirmed this commitment to maintaining the integrity of the internal electoral process. He emphasized that the party's leadership would not ignore substantiated claims of financial influence or electoral malpractice that could compromise the democratic standards of the NDC. Speaking on the conduct of the polls, Mr. Tanko-Computer noted that while there have been public discussions regarding the potential for vote-buying, the party has yet to receive any formal reports or documented evidence of such incidents. He urged members and observers with verifiable proof to approach the national executive committee, assuring them that every grievance brought forward would be treated with the necessary gravity. This proactive stance is intended to ensure that the officers elected to lead at the constituency level possess the genuine mandate of the grassroots supporters. Beyond the concerns of financial influence, the electoral process faced several logistical and security setbacks. In the Odododiodioo constituency, an outbreak of violence forced election officials to temporarily halt the counting of ballots to ensure the safety of personnel and materials. Furthermore, voting in several constituencies within the Ashanti and Eastern regions had to be postponed due to various administrative and logistical challenges. Mr. Tanko-Computer indicated that the party is working to resolve these issues to complete the electoral cycle across all affected areas as soon as possible. The constituency elections are a critical component of the NDC’s broader reorganization efforts as it prepares for upcoming national political activities. By addressing both the security lapses and the potential for financial irregularities, the party aims to emerge from this internal contest with a strengthened and unified organizational structure. The Deputy Director of Elections reiterated that the ultimate goal remains a transparent process that reflects the will of the party’s delegates, thereby solidifying internal democracy.