Ghana is set to hold elections on December 7, with voters choosing a new president and members of Parliament amid economic struggles and political tensions. Key candidates include Mahamudu Bawumia from the NPP and John Mahama from the NDC. Concerns over electoral violence and corruption pose risks to the electoral process, with implications for Ghana’s democratic integrity and regional stability.
On December 7, Ghanaians will participate in a crucial electoral process to elect a new president and members of Parliament across 275 constituencies. Among the twelve presidential candidates, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) stand out as the only parties with realistic prospects of winning, given their historical electoral success since the re-introduction of multiparty politics in 1992. Notably, the incumbent, President Nana Akufo-Addo, is ineligible for re-election due to term limits.
The current electoral climate is heavily influenced by economic difficulties and political dynamics. Key concerns among voters include the economy and the rising cost of living, exacerbated by the depreciation of the Ghanaian cedi, which has lost approximately two-thirds of its value against the US dollar over the past five years. Additionally, the NDC has raised issues regarding the transparency of the Electoral Commission and has shown reluctance to commit to a peace pact with the National Peace Council, aimed at ensuring an orderly electoral process. Reports from the International Republican Institute (IRI) also cite corruption, financial mismanagement, and vote buying as significant issues affecting the electoral landscape, with evidence of official misconduct.
Looking ahead, the IRI project a high voter turnout, similar to the 78.89 percent seen in the previous election of 2020. However, the possibility of electoral violence remains a pressing concern that could jeopardize Ghana’s democratic stability. The majoritarian electoral system cultivates an environment where winning becomes paramount, often leading to the misuse of resources and the dissemination of hate speech to secure electoral victories. Previous elections have seen casualties, with five lives lost amid such violence in 2020.
The leading candidates, Mahamudu Bawumia from the NPP and John Mahama from the NDC, both possess extensive political experience. Bawumia has served as Vice President under Akufo-Addo and held key positions at the Bank of Ghana, while Mahama previously held the presidency from 2012 to 2017 before his loss in the 2016 elections. With the NPP securing victories in both 2016 and 2020, the 2024 elections pose a significant challenge with the goal of “breaking the eight” for the party.
The upcoming elections stand as a test for Ghana’s democratic resilience, with implications that extend beyond its borders to West Africa. Historically considered a model of democracy, Ghana faces pressures that threaten its democratic fabric. A transparent and peaceful electoral process is paramount not only for the stability of Ghana but also to counter the region’s increasing instability and democratic backsliding.
The upcoming elections in Ghana will see citizens vote for a new president and parliament members within a framework of multiparty politics that has been active since 1992. The political landscape is dominated by two main parties, the NDC and the NPP, both of which have won previously contested elections. The transition period will be marked by pressing economic challenges, including issues of currency devaluation, political corruption, and the potential for electoral violence. Historically, Ghana has been viewed as a leader in democratic governance within West Africa, making the stability of its democracy vital for regional peace and progress.
The 2024 Ghana Election has the potential to significantly influence both national and regional stability in West Africa. With economic concerns at the forefront and the looming threat of political violence, the successful conduct of these elections will be crucial for ensuring a smooth transition of power. It embodies a broader challenge to uphold democratic principles amid competing interests and the shadows of corruption, requiring vigilance and engagement from all political stakeholders.
Original Source: www.iri.org
