(1) A person who before or during an election for the purpose of effecting or preventing the election of a candidate makes or publishes or causes to be made or published by words whether written or spoken,or by song a statement which is false or which he knows or has reason to believe to be false in relation to the personal character of another candidate or the conduct of a political party commits an offence.

(2) A person who before or during an election knowingly publishes a false statement of the withdrawal of a candidate for the purpose of promoting or procuring the return of another candidate commits an offence.

(3) A person who commits an offence under this section is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding ₵1million or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or both.

(4) The provisions of this section shall not take away the right of a person to sue for defamation of character.