Ghana recent presidential election and Nigeria: Matter arising

By JOHN ONAH, Abuja –

Ghana’s recent presidential election was held on December 7, 2024. The election was a highly competitive contest between two main candidates: John Dramani Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) ¹.

Mahama, a former president of Ghana, has a strong political background, having served as president from 2012 to 2017. Bawumia, the current vice president, is known for his technocratic background, having served as the Deputy Governor of the Central Bank.

The election was marked by a peace pact signed by the two main candidates, aiming to ensure a peaceful election. However, the implementation and implications of the pact highlighted the challenges faced by Mahama and the NDC

In Nigeria, the matter arising from Ghana’s presidential election is the potential impact on the country’s own electoral process. Nigeria has been closely watching Ghana’s democratic transition, and the peaceful conduct of the election is seen as a positive example for the region .

The Ghanaian Electoral Commission’s reputation for professionalism, independence, and integrity is also being cited as a model for other countries in the region, including Nigeria. The commission’s transparency and consistent communications with all parties have helped to maintain trust in the electoral process .

Sharp differences between the conduct of the elections in the election umpires of the two countries:

The sharp differences between the conduct of elections between Ghana and Nigeria can be attributed to the varying levels of independence, transparency, and accountability of their electoral commissions.

Independence of Electoral Commissions:

Ghana’s Electoral Commission is widely regarded as independent and impartial, with a strong track record of conducting free and fair elections. In contrast, Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has faced criticism for its perceived lack of independence and impartiality.

Transparency and Accountability:

Ghana’s Electoral Commission is known for its transparency, regularly updating the public on the electoral process and providing detailed information on voting results. Nigeria’s INEC, on the other hand, has been criticized for its lack of transparency, particularly with regards to the voter registration process and the transmission of election results.

Electoral Laws and Regulations:

Ghana has a robust electoral legal framework, which provides clear guidelines for the conduct of elections. Nigeria’s electoral laws, while comprehensive, have been criticized for being ambiguous and open to interpretation.

Security and Logistics:

Ghana’s Electoral Commission has a reputation for effective security and logistical arrangements, ensuring the smooth conduct of elections. Nigeria’s INEC has faced challenges in this regard, with instances of violence, ballot box snatching, and logistical issues marring the electoral process.

These differences contribute to the varying levels of trust and confidence in the electoral processes of Ghana and Nigeria.

The blame game:

While it’s tempting to point fingers, the issue is more complex. Both INEC Nigeria and the electoral law guiding the system share some responsibility.

On one hand, INEC Nigeria, as the electoral management body, has the duty to conduct free, fair, and credible elections . However, INEC’s purported independence and impartiality have been questioned in the past. If INEC fails to ensure the integrity of the electoral process, it can undermine the credibility of the elections.

On the other hand, the electoral law guiding the system in Nigeria is comprised of various laws, including the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act 2010, and INEC regulations and guidelines ². While these laws provide a framework for the conduct of elections, they can be ambiguous and open to interpretation ³. This ambiguity can lead to confusion and disputes during the electoral process.

Ultimately, the blame lies in a combination of factors, including:

lNEC’s operational challenges:

INEC’s ability to conduct free and fair elections can be hindered by logistical issues, security concerns, and inadequate resources.

Ambiguities in the electoral law:

The complexity and ambiguity of the electoral law can lead to disputes and confusion during the electoral process.-

Lack of transparency and accountability The absence of transparency and accountability in the electoral process can erode trust in the system and create opportunities for manipulation.

To improve the electoral process in Nigeria, it’s essential to address these challenges through electoral reforms, capacity building for INEC, and increased transparency and accountability.

Cross-carpeting or the defection of Nigerian politicians for selfish reasons:

The cross-carpeting or defection of Nigerian politicians for selfish reasons is a significant factor contributing to Nigeria’s election conduct. Unlike Ghanaian politicians, who tend to remain loyal to their parties even after defeat, Nigerian politicians often switch parties for personal gain, seeking better opportunities or to maintain their influence .

This trend of defection can lead to several issues, including:

Undermining Party Ideologies:

When politicians defect, they often abandon their party’s ideology and values, which can confuse voters and undermine the party’s reputation.

Lack of Accountability:

Defecting politicians may escape accountability for their past actions or policies, as they can distance themselves from their previous party affiliations.
Disenfranchisement of Voters:
When politicians defect, they may take their supporters with them, potentially disenfranchising voters who supported them based on their original party affiliation.

Erosion of Trust:

The frequent defections can erode trust in the political system, as voters may perceive politicians as opportunistic and self-serving.

In contrast, Ghana’s political landscape is characterized by a stronger sense of party loyalty and ideology. Ghanaian politicians tend to remain committed to their parties, even in the face of defeat. This stability can contribute to a more predictable and trustworthy electoral process.

In conclusion, the cross-carpeting or defection of Nigerian politicians for selfish reasons is indeed a significant factor contributing to Nigeria’s election conduct, and addressing this issue is essential to strengthening the country’s democratic institutions.