How to resolve AdBlock issue? Voter Apathy Looms Over Ghana’s December Elections
Sunday, 24 November 2024 | Ghana
As Ghana approaches the December 7 elections, voter apathy remains a pressing issue. Despite the country’s high voter turnout of 79% during the 2020 parliamentary and presidential elections, approximately 3.6 million registered voters abstained, highlighting a significant segment of the population disengaged from the electoral process.
Voter apathy—characterized by disinterest, disillusionment, and a lack of faith in the system—threatens not only turnout but the validity of ballots cast. Many citizens cite frustrations with the entrenched duopoly of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) as a primary reason for their disengagement.
A couple, speaking on condition of anonymity, expressed a lack of motivation to vote. “We see no tangible results from the electoral process,” they explained. This sentiment resonates with many Ghanaians who feel neglected by politicians once elections are over.
Ophelia Boateng, a trader, echoed these concerns in an interview with Citi News. “Both parties are the same,” she said. “I vote in Kumasi, but I won’t travel all the way just to vote. There’s no benefit in voting; even with free transportation, I wouldn’t bother.”
Similarly, Nana Yaw, another voter, described his dissatisfaction. “Both major parties need to be replaced. Mahama brought dumsor [persistent power outages], and Nana Addo has only continued the same patterns. We, the civilians, suffer while politicians thrive. Ghanaians should forfeit this election; we can’t keep voting for a few people to enjoy.”
Others, like a trader who spoke anonymously, tied their decision not to vote to a lack of trust in politicians’ promises. “I don’t feel the need to wake up early, stand in long queues, and vote for leaders who don’t deliver on their promises,” she explained. Another voter added, “I won’t leave my family to vote for someone who won’t think of our well-being.”
These personal accounts reflect broader trends identified in reports such as one by Global Info Analytics, which highlights high levels of voter apathy in key regions, including Ashanti, Greater Accra, and Western. The Ashanti Region, a stronghold for the NPP, could see a significant decline in turnout, potentially impacting the party’s performance. Similarly, low voter intentions have been reported in Central, Bono, and Greater Accra regions, with figures ranging between 70.8% and 78.7%.
In response, the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has launched campaigns to combat voter apathy, urging citizens to exercise their democratic rights. However, their efforts face challenges, particularly a lack of active collaboration from political parties. These parties have shown limited interest in grassroots engagement, further alienating disenchanted voters.
As political parties and candidates ramp up their campaigns, apathetic voters represent a critical demographic that could sway the election. If effectively mobilized, their participation could alter the outcome of the polls. Conversely, continued apathy risks undermining the democratic process and allowing a smaller fraction of the electorate to decide the country’s future.
With less than a month until election day, addressing voter apathy must remain a priority for all stakeholders. Without concerted efforts to rebuild trust in the political system, the voices of millions could remain unheard, threatening the inclusivity and legitimacy of Ghana’s democratic process.
Voter apathy—characterized by disinterest, disillusionment, and a lack of faith in the system—threatens not only turnout but the validity of ballots cast. Many citizens cite frustrations with the entrenched duopoly of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) as a primary reason for their disengagement.
A couple, speaking on condition of anonymity, expressed a lack of motivation to vote. “We see no tangible results from the electoral process,” they explained. This sentiment resonates with many Ghanaians who feel neglected by politicians once elections are over.
Ophelia Boateng, a trader, echoed these concerns in an interview with Citi News. “Both parties are the same,” she said. “I vote in Kumasi, but I won’t travel all the way just to vote. There’s no benefit in voting; even with free transportation, I wouldn’t bother.”
Similarly, Nana Yaw, another voter, described his dissatisfaction. “Both major parties need to be replaced. Mahama brought dumsor [persistent power outages], and Nana Addo has only continued the same patterns. We, the civilians, suffer while politicians thrive. Ghanaians should forfeit this election; we can’t keep voting for a few people to enjoy.”
Others, like a trader who spoke anonymously, tied their decision not to vote to a lack of trust in politicians’ promises. “I don’t feel the need to wake up early, stand in long queues, and vote for leaders who don’t deliver on their promises,” she explained. Another voter added, “I won’t leave my family to vote for someone who won’t think of our well-being.”
These personal accounts reflect broader trends identified in reports such as one by Global Info Analytics, which highlights high levels of voter apathy in key regions, including Ashanti, Greater Accra, and Western. The Ashanti Region, a stronghold for the NPP, could see a significant decline in turnout, potentially impacting the party’s performance. Similarly, low voter intentions have been reported in Central, Bono, and Greater Accra regions, with figures ranging between 70.8% and 78.7%.
In response, the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has launched campaigns to combat voter apathy, urging citizens to exercise their democratic rights. However, their efforts face challenges, particularly a lack of active collaboration from political parties. These parties have shown limited interest in grassroots engagement, further alienating disenchanted voters.
As political parties and candidates ramp up their campaigns, apathetic voters represent a critical demographic that could sway the election. If effectively mobilized, their participation could alter the outcome of the polls. Conversely, continued apathy risks undermining the democratic process and allowing a smaller fraction of the electorate to decide the country’s future.
With less than a month until election day, addressing voter apathy must remain a priority for all stakeholders. Without concerted efforts to rebuild trust in the political system, the voices of millions could remain unheard, threatening the inclusivity and legitimacy of Ghana’s democratic process.