Ghana’s Upcoming Elections: Implications for Democracy and Stability

Ghanaians will vote for their new president and Parliament on December 7, 2024. The election features twelve candidates, with the two main contenders being Mahamudu Bawumia (NPP) and John Mahama (NDC). Key challenges include economic instability, corruption, and potential electoral violence, which could undermine the democratic process, highlighting the stakes for both Ghana and the wider West African region.

On December 7, Ghanaians will participate in an election to choose their new president and members of Parliament representing their 275 constituencies. Among the twelve presidential candidates, only the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) hold viable chances of winning, given that they are the only parties to claim electoral victories since the return to multiparty politics in 1992. President Nana Akufo-Addo is ineligible to seek re-election due to term limits.

The current election climate is heavily influenced by economic challenges and significant political dynamics. Economic concerns, particularly regarding the cost of living and the depreciation of the Ghanaian cedi—losing approximately two-thirds of its value against the US dollar over the past five years—are paramount for voters. Additionally, the NDC has raised concerns about the Electoral Commission’s transparency and has delayed the signing of a peace agreement with the National Peace Council (NPC). A report from the International Republican Institute (IRI) has highlighted critical issues such as corruption, financial mismanagement, and vote-buying, underscoring the troubling trend of state asset looting by elected officials and ongoing political corruption.

For the upcoming election, high voter turnout is anticipated, reminiscent of the 2020 election where turnout reached 78.89 percent. However, the risk of electoral violence looms, posing a threat to Ghana’s stability and democratic integrity. The country’s majoritarian electoral system, characterized by a ‘winner takes all’ approach, encourages not only the misuse of resources but also fuels incidents of hate speech, fear, and potential violence. This issue was tragically evident in the 2020 elections, which resulted in the loss of five lives.

The stakes are high for the leading candidates, Mahamudu Bawumia of the NPP and John Mahama of the NDC, both of whom are seasoned politicians. Bawumia, having served as the vice president under President Akufo-Addo and taken on various significant roles at the Bank of Ghana, and Mahama, a former president from 2012 to 2017 who was defeated by Akufo-Addo in the 2016 elections, represent established political entities. The 2024 elections will focus on the NPP’s ambition to “break the eight” consecutive years in power, following their victories in both 2016 and 2020.

In essence, the upcoming election holds great significance not only for Ghanaians but also for the West African region, as Ghana has historically served as a powerful symbol of democratic governance. Ensuring that the election is conducted transparently and peacefully is essential to stave off further threats to democracy, especially in the context of increasing regional instability and a general trend of democratic decline.

The Ghanaian elections on December 7, 2024, will mark a significant moment in the country’s democratic journey. Since the re-establishment of multiparty politics in 1992, Ghanaians have actively participated in their electoral processes, with incumbent presidents typically bound by term limits. The current election cycle is especially critical, as high inflation, economic instability, and questions surrounding electoral integrity pervade the political landscape, posing challenges reminiscent of previous elections marked by violence and corruption.

The upcoming December election in Ghana stands as a pivotal event that could influence the nation’s democratic resilience and stability. With pressing economic concerns and a history of electoral violence, ensuring a transparent and peaceful electoral process is imperative. The outcome will not only impact Ghanaian citizens but also carry significant implications for West Africa, a region witnessing increasing democratic instability. Observing the conduct of this election is, therefore, essential.

Original Source: www.iri.org