Ghana’s Electoral System: Strengths and Areas for Improvement

3.3K

---

KEY POINTS

---

• Ghana’s Electoral Commission fosters trust with transparency and independence, enhancing democratic stability.
• Biometric voter registration curtails fraud, ensuring fairness in Ghana’s electoral processes.
• Inclusive reforms can boost representation, empowering marginalized groups and strengthening Ghanaian democracy.

---

Ghana’s electoral system has long been lauded as a cornerstone of its democracy, earning the country recognition as one of Africa’s most stable democracies (United Nations iLibrary). 

Over the years, the West African nation has set a benchmark for credible elections, drawing admiration and inspiring reforms across the continent. 

While Ghana’s system boasts several strengths, there remain areas requiring attention to ensure the sustainability and inclusiveness of its democratic processes (World Bank, 2024).

Strengths of Ghana’s electoral system:

Ghana’s Electoral Commission (EC)

The independence and impartiality of Ghana’s Electoral Commission (EC) stand out as one of the country’s democratic pillars. 

Established under Article 45 of the 1992 Constitution, the EC’s autonomy ensures that it operates without undue political interference. This independence has been critical in bolstering trust among the electorate, political parties, and international observers. 

Over the years, the EC has effectively managed transitions of power, conducting elections that meet international standards (EISA, 2001).

Key milestones include the introduction of advanced systems for voter registration and election monitoring, which have minimized opportunities for manipulation. 

Notably, the EC’s transparent processes, such as the public declaration of results at collation centers, have enhanced public confidence. Despite occasional criticism, the EC remains a respected institution, showcasing the importance of strong governance in electoral processes.

First-Past-The-Post (FPTP) system

Ghana’s adoption of the First-Past-The-Post system has contributed to its political stability. Under this system, the candidate with the highest number of votes in a constituency wins. 

This simplicity ensures that election outcomes are decisive, avoiding prolonged disputes. The FPTP system has also fostered a two-party dominance—primarily between the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC)—which has helped stabilize Ghana’s political landscape.

While some criticize FPTP for marginalizing smaller parties, its contribution to peace and clarity in governance cannot be overstated. 

The system’s efficiency has allowed Ghana to transition smoothly between administrations, further solidifying its democratic credentials.

Biometric voter registration

The introduction of biometric voter registration in 2012 marked a significant leap in Ghana’s fight against electoral fraud (EISA, 2023). By using unique physical identifiers such as fingerprints, the system has virtually eliminated double voting and other forms of identity-related malpractice. This technology has increased transparency and fairness in the electoral process.

Moreover, biometric systems have enhanced the accuracy of voter rolls, ensuring that only eligible voters participate in elections. The technology’s effectiveness was evident in the 2020 general elections, where it streamlined the voting process despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Ghana’s success with biometric registration highlights the potential for technology to strengthen democratic practices.

Areas for improvement:

Electoral reforms

Despite its successes, Ghana’s electoral system faces challenges that necessitate reforms. Electoral violence remains a concern, particularly during closely contested elections. Incidents of voter suppression, often linked to logistical issues or disputes over voter eligibility, undermine the democratic process.

Campaign finance is another pressing issue. The lack of stringent regulations has allowed for excessive spending by candidates and political parties, raising concerns about equity and transparency. 

Addressing these challenges requires comprehensive legislative reforms, coupled with the enforcement of existing laws to ensure a level playing field for all participants (UNDP, 2020).

Voter education

A well-informed electorate is vital for the health of any democracy. While Ghana has made strides in this area, gaps remain in voter education. 

Many citizens, particularly in rural areas, lack a clear understanding of the electoral process and their rights (AU).

Sustained voter education campaigns are essential to address misinformation and apathy. Civil society organizations, in collaboration with the Electoral Commission, can play a pivotal role in designing and implementing programs that reach diverse audiences (The Carter Centre, 2008). 

Efforts should include the use of local languages and innovative communication channels to ensure inclusivity.

Inclusive representation

Ghana’s electoral system must evolve to promote more inclusive representation. Women, youth, and marginalized groups remain underrepresented in political leadership (Duflo, 2012). 

Despite comprising over half of the population, women hold less than 15 percent of parliamentary seats (World Bank, 2011). 

Addressing this disparity requires deliberate measures such as quotas and capacity-building initiatives to empower underrepresented groups.

Increasing diversity in governance is not just a moral imperative but also a strategic advantage. Inclusive representation enriches decision-making processes and ensures that policies reflect the diverse needs of society (IFES, 2024).

COVID-19 and electoral lessons

Ghana’s 2020 general elections demonstrated resilience and adaptability in the face of a global pandemic. 

The Electoral Commission implemented measures such as mandatory mask-wearing, physical distancing, and the provision of hand sanitizers at polling stations. These practices ensured voter safety while maintaining high turnout rates.

The experience highlighted the importance of leveraging technology in election management. From online voter registration to electronic transmission of results, technology can enhance efficiency and transparency (IMF, 2020). 

However, these advancements must be accompanied by robust cybersecurity measures to prevent vulnerabilities.

Regional cooperation

As a beacon of democratic stability, Ghana has the opportunity to share its electoral expertise with neighboring countries. 

Regional collaboration through platforms like the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) can promote best practices and foster democratic consolidation across West Africa.

By offering technical assistance and training to other electoral bodies, Ghana can strengthen regional stability and enhance its leadership role on the continent (African Journals, 2020). 

Such initiatives would also create opportunities for mutual learning, enabling Ghana to refine its own electoral processes.

Voter turnout

Ghana’s consistent voter turnout—often exceeding 60 percent—reflects strong public engagement in the democratic process. 

For instance, the 2020 general elections recorded a turnout of 79 percent, a testament to the electorate’s commitment to shaping the nation’s future (UNDP, 2020).

Electoral commission budget

The government’s increasing investment in the Electoral Commission underscores its commitment to electoral integrity. 

In recent years, budgetary allocations have facilitated the adoption of advanced technologies and improved logistical support. However, ensuring that these funds are utilized effectively remains a critical task (UN Press, 2024).

Ghana’s electoral system exemplifies the power of democratic institutions in fostering stability and development. 

While its strengths are undeniable, addressing areas of improvement is crucial for sustaining progress. By embracing reforms, promoting inclusivity, and leveraging technology, Ghana can further consolidate its democratic gains, serving as a model for Africa and the world.