HC Deb 26 April 1950 vol 474 cc942-4
18. Mr. Rankin

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that in the recent municipal elections in Accra candidate observers were allowed inside the polling booths and voters were asked for whom they wished to vote in the presence of other voters; and whether the Government of the Gold Coast will now take steps to ensure the secrecy of voting in all future elections.

32. Mr. Keeling

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is satisfied that the arrangements for municipal elections in the Gold Coast ensure secrecy.

Mr. J. Griffiths

Agents nominated by candidates were allowed inside polling booths by special pass for the purpose of challenging impersonators. In accordance with the procedure laid down by law, voters were asked by the recording officer for whom they wished to vote, but only one person voted at a time and every effort was made to ensure that other voters did not hear for whom the vote was cast.

It is clear that these arrangements did not ensure secrecy, which is a matter to which I naturally attach the utmost importance. The Governor of the Gold Coast has, however, informed me that the procedure for municipal elections is now being re-examined with a view to introducing the secret ballot and a Select Committee of the Gold Coast Legislative Council is examining the organisation required for elections under the new Constitution.

Mr. Rankin

Can my right hon. Friend assure the House that these changes will be made effective before the central elections take place in the Gold Coast?

Mr. Griffiths

We hope so. I shall press the matter forward as urgently as possible.

Mr. Keeling

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that according to accounts of eye-witnesses, published in the Press, these elections bore a striking resemblance to the elections at Eatanswill in the bad old Whig days described in "Pickwick Papers"?

Mr. Griffiths

That is why the action I have indicated is being taken.

19. Mr. Rankin

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many cases of impersonation occurred in the municipal elections at Accra; and how many prosecutions have resulted.

Mr. J. Griffiths

Twenty-two cases of impersonation were reported to the police, who have taken up 15 of them. Of these 15 cases nine resulted in convictions, five are pending and one is under investigation.

Mr. Rankin

Can my right hon. Friend say anything about the penalties which are imposed for impersonation, and if he thinks that they are sufficient?

Mr. Griffiths

The penalties for impersonation are a fine not exceeding £50, or a term of imprisonment up to six months.