Vote Buying in General Elections among Students: A Case Study of the Faculty of Social Sciences in Knust
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54536/jpsir.v3i1.7805Keywords:
Democracy, Elections, Students, Vote Buying, VotingAbstract
This study examined the phenomenon of vote buying during general elections among students of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). The study employed a mixed-method approach and a case study research design. A total of 150 participants provided responses through structured questionnaires, whereas additional information was sought through qualitative means to enhance the interpretations. The results showed that a significant number of the participants (67%) felt that their economic status does not affect their voting behavior, but a few others stated that there is some effect. It was also found that, despite the majority of respondents denying being bribed in monetary form by politicians, they accepted receiving gifts like food, T-shirts, and transport services. In addition, 37% of the respondents revealed that the inducements did affect their voting behavior. It was further found out that the majority of the respondents were politically conscious and had a fair knowledge of the political party manifestos. This means that the students who took part in this research have quite a good understanding of political issues. The findings show that vote buying exists amongst students, but its form is largely indirect and not directly monetary. The study concluded that rational decision-making is largely prevalent, but material inducements influence a considerable number of voters. The study recommends strengthening electoral regulations, intensifying civic and voter education, and promoting issue-based political campaigns to reduce the influence of vote buying and enhance democratic integrity among students.
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