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Ghana’s Election Day: A Critical Moment Amid Economic Challenges
Today marks election day in Ghana, where economic concerns, driven by a mounting debt crisis and elevated living costs, dominate the minds of voters.
In this pivotal moment, the West African nation is set to elect a new president as Nana Akufo-Addo concludes his tenure, having served two terms as mandated by law.
Potentially stepping back into power is former President John Mahama, who seeks to reclaim his position representing the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
The leading contender opposing Mahama is Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), who would make history as the country’s first Muslim president if elected.
Other figures in the race include businessman Nana Kwame Bediako, who resonates well with younger voters, and Alan Kyerematen, who recently switched allegiance from the ruling NPP.
With around 19 million eligible voters ready to participate, the election is crucial for Ghana’s political future.
Despite recent initiatives aimed at increasing female representation in politics, the upcoming election guarantees a male president. Sadly, Akua Donkor, the only woman in the presidential race representing the Ghana Freedom Party, passed away in October, but her name will still appear on the ballot due to the disqualification of her successor.
The general election also encompasses parliamentary votes across 275 constituencies, further highlighting the importance of this electoral cycle.
Since multi-party democracy was reinstated in 1992, only candidates from the NDC and NPP have succeeded in winning the presidency, with no party managing more than two consecutive terms in power.
Voters have a 10-hour timeframe today to cast their votes, with polling stations operating from 07:00 GMT until 17:00. Election results are anticipated to be disclosed within three days following the polls.
To secure a first-round victory, a presidential candidate needs to achieve over 50% of the votes. If this threshold isn’t met, the top two candidates will proceed to a run-off by late December.
As the campaigning drew to a close on Friday, Bawumia asserted, “What is clear is that notwithstanding the challenges we’ve had, we have performed better than the government of John Dramani Mahama.”
In contrast, Mahama articulated to his supporters, “It is a choice between the Ghana we have today and the Ghana we want together. A Ghana of opportunity, prosperity, and justice for all.”
In recent years, many Ghanaians have faced severe inflation, peaking at 54.1% in 2022. While inflation rates have since diminished, the economic strain has relegated many into poverty, adversely affecting living conditions, according to the World Bank.
The same year, Ghana declared a default on its debt repayments, and the government is currently engaged in prolonged discussions with international lenders regarding debt restructuring.
Unemployment remains a pressing issue, especially among the youth, whose preferences are likely to significantly influence the election’s outcome.
Source
www.bbc.com