Does Ghana Need Electoral Change? (2)

​”Change is the law of life and those who look only to the past or the present are certain to miss the future” J.F. Kennedy.

On December 7, Ghanaians go to the polls to elect a President and two hundred and seventy-five law–makers. With just a few days to go the various political parties and their candidates have done all that is possible to appeal to the electorate. They have employed various propaganda tools available to outwit their opponents.

While the incumbent National Democratic Congress (NDC) is busy harping on their achievements and contrasting that with what they believe to be the failings of their biggest opposition—the New Patriotic Party (NPP), the NPP is busy attributing incompetence and corruption to the NDC as reasons for which the electorate should reject the NDC at the polls.

The NDC is doing everything in their power to retain power; same way the NPP fought to retain power in 2008. In each case the two parties argue that during their turn at governance, the country witnessed tremendous development hence deserve another turn at the engine of power.

What makes the 2016 general election interesting is that it has been eight years since a change of government from one political party (the NPP) to another (the NDC); the NPP handed power to the NDC in January 2009 after serving eight years in office from 2001. While the electorate considers whether or not to renew the NDC’s contract some pertinent issues deserve attention:

Electoral Change

Most electoral conflicts around the world, especially those that have occurred on the African continent have been attributed to the tendency of leaders to perpetuate their rule through illegitimate means; or attempts by opposition figures to capture political power at all costs. In most instances, the opposition parties have accused the incumbent of manipulating the electoral process.

Peaceful, regular electoral change, rather than the conventional institutions of legislature and judiciary (and now the fourth estate of the realm—the media) thus appears to be a more efficient source of checks and balances on modern governments that tend to be corrupted by power and longevity. Incessant renewal of political authority in this sense begets complacency and mediocrity.

Contrary to practice of running down achievements of political opponents in order to score political points, it must be stated that every party that has had the opportunity to manage Ghana has made some contributions to national development. The CPP, PNC, NDC, NPP have all contributed one way or the other to the development of this nation—no doubt! During their tenure, they have constructed roads, schools and bridges and have implanted social intervention programmes and policies. They have each done something to develop this country though they could have done more.

This notwithstanding, giving one political tradition reason to feel that they are the best is not in the best interest of the development needs of this nation. Giving one political tradition reason to feel they are best makes room for complacency leading to a situation where they begin to take genuine disagreements and frustrations of the citizenry for granted.

In 2000, one argument the opposition raised for change was that the NDC and its allied traditions have stayed in power for too long and have become insensitive. Similar argument was made in 2008 against the NPP. Indeed, what goes around, comes around.

It is in the greater interest of corporate Ghana to give politicians and their parties an even stint at the kiln of governance. With a culture of change embedded in peoples’ psyche, (not only for the sake of particular elections) politicians will be compelled to do more than flinging mud at their opponents, making empty promises, engaging in empty rhetoric and casuistry and buying votes to win elections. Regular electoral change also reduces the risk of insurgency and subversion by frustrated and impatient opposition.

Political Parties in Ghana

Ghana’s constitutional provision for multi-party democracy. This has given room for the mushrooming of political parties. This notwithstanding, the visible political parties in Ghana, no doubt that are the NDC and the NPP. The Convention Peoples Party (CPP), the Peoples National Convention (PNC), the Progressive Peoples Party (PPP); and the other one-man parties pose little threat to the NDC and the NPP (at least in the present).

Since Ghana’s return to multi-party democracy in 1992, two political parties have dominated Ghana politics leading to proposals by some people for the adoption of a two-party state.

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) which succeeded the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC) was Ghana’s government from December 31, 1981 to January 7, 1993; and the New Patriotic Party (NPP), a liberal democratic and liberal conservative center-right party which traces its roots to the Progress Party are the two main parties. The Progress Party (PP) was Ghana’s ruling party during the Second Republic between 1969—1972. At the 1969 elections, the party won 105 of the National Assembly’s 140 seats. Dr Kofi Abrefa Busia, who led the party subsequently became Prime Minister on 3 September, 1969.

National Democratic Congress (NDC)

The NDC has won four of Ghana’s general elections since 1992 (1992, 1996, 2008 and 2012) The NDC’s previous stint in power (from 1992 to 2000) generated mixed sympathies from the citizenry. The result of a popular disaffection for the party in 2000 was a loss of power.

Having spent eight years in opposition and returning to power in 2009, they are in a battle for their lives for renewal of contract for governance. They are the party to beat. They have more resources than all the other parties and they flaunt it graciously.

New Patriotic Party (NPP)

The NPP made a strong case for change during the 2000 general elections. Riding on the back of the majority feeling at the time that eight years was enough for one political party to be in power they won the 2000 general elections and retained power in the 2004 general elections.

After eight years, the same feeling removed the NPP from power. Tried as they did, they could not get a third term. The party’s candidate at the 2008 election—Nana Akufo Addo—is making his third attempt at the presidency. Many believe this will be his last if he loses.

Convention People’s Party (CPP)

Ghana gained independence in 1957 under a CPP led government. After its overthrow in 1966 the fortunes of the party have dwindled since. Its presidential candidate polled only 1 per cent of the total valid votes cast at the 2004 general elections and currently has no seat in parliament.

Being led by Ivor Greenstreet, who believes it is time to sign a new social contract with the electorate, the CPP goes to the polls hoping to be the party to give Ghana its first physically challenged President. It is not too clear if Ghanaians agree with the CPP in that direction.

People’s National Convention (PNC)

The PNC, just like the CPP is struggling to be seen. Currently with only one seat in parliament and a presidential candidate—Edward Mahama—who has never obtained more that 3% of the total valid votes cast in his four previous attempts at the presidency (3% in 1996; 2.5% in 2000; 1.92% in 2004 and 0.86% in 2008) the PNC’s chances of making any significant gains at the elections are as bleak as ever.

Progressive People’s Party (PPP)

Dr Paa Kwesi Nduom who led the CPP in the 2008 Presidential elections broke away from the CPP in 2012 to form the Progressive Peoples Party. Paa Kwesi Nduom contested the 2012 Presidential elections pulling 64,267 votes (representing 0.58%) of the total valid votes cast.

The PPP also lays claims to Nkrumahism.

Other Parties

Thanks to the magnanimity of Ghana’s constitution, crackpots like Akua Donkor, Kofi Apaloo, Mahama Ayariga and others have all formed political parties with followers. Akua Donkor leads the Ghana Freedom Party (GFP), whiles Kofi Apaloo champions the Independent Peoples Party (IPP) and Mahama Ayariga leads the All Peoples Congress (APC).

Dilemma of the Masses!

Elections are interesting events. At elections, all manner of funny and ludicrous theories and individuals emerge. Governance being a serious business requires serious persons to put themselves up for election but ironically some individuals who can barely manage their own lives also join the fray for election. In recent times, people like Akua Donkor, Mahama Ayariga and Kofi Apaloo have all invited themselves to the party attracting unmerited media attention with their ridiculous and crazy ideas.

The ruling party (NDC) and all the opposition parties are all appealing for votes under various claims. Whilst the NPP—the largest opposition party—is trumpeting the motion of change with the slogan “change is coming”, the NDC is preaching continuity with the slogan: “Changing Lives, Transforming Ghana”. They say change is already happening.

Winning and Losing Power

In 2000, the NPP then in apposition made Ghanaians believe that the NDC was afraid to lose power because there were skeletons in their cupboard. In 2008, the NDC said the same thing against the NPP and today it is the NDC’s turn to convince the electorate its hands are clean. No government of course, would ever accept attributions of corruption against it—major cases of corruption can only be revealed when there is electoral change. (This is in no way an endorsement of witch-hunt).

Does Ghana Need Electoral Change?

Power is sweet! Once they taste it they don’t want to let go off it; they become addicted to it. They don’t want to lose all of that deification and recognition that comes with power. That is why politicians fight for power with all their lives.

Does Ghana need electoral change? The people shall decide on December 7!

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