KEY POINTS
- NDC secures the eighth position on the 2024 election ballot.
- Kofi Adams calls it a “God-given” spot, aligning with party symbolism.
- Critics urge the Electoral Commission to improve the ballot process.
For the leadership of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), the 8th position on the ballot for the 2024 presidential election is much more than just a ranking.
The placement was described as ‘divine’ by the Buem Constituency Member of Parliament elect, Kofi Adams, opining that the NDC had been linking their campaign to the number eight well before the balls were grouped to determine the numbers to be assigned to political parties.
He stated his belief that this would be good to the ears of the voters.
The symbolism of the number 8
”We are okay with this position,” Adams said during an interview on television commenting that the number eight has been mentioned many times in the politics of Ghana. Adams emphasized that the number eight has frequently appeared in political dialogue, especially regarding the New Patriotic Party (NPP)’s slogan, “Break the Eight.” This phrase refers to the NPP’s desire to stay in power beyond two terms, which has been the limit for Ghana’s political parties since 1992.
He explained that since both supporters and critics of the NPP have been discussing the number eight, it will be easy for voters to associate it with the NDC’s position on the ballot. The MP mentioned that chiefs, pastors, and the general public have been talking about the number, which adds to its importance..
NDC’s call for transparency
However, Dr. Angela Dwamena-Aboagye, chair of the Civic Forum Initiative had some doubts about the process. She said that in the contemporary world where artificial intelligence was already in existence, Ghanaian election processes should be more centralised.
According to MyJoyOnline, Dr Bossman Asare, Deputy Chairman of the EC, addressed these concerns, ensuring the public that the balloting exercise was fair and transparent. He mentioned that the political parties, including the NDC, were present during the ballot draw and allowed to inspect the process before it began.
Meanwhile, Dr Angela Dwamena-Aboagye, Chairperson of the Civic Forum Initiative, raised concerns about the outdated balloting methods, suggesting that the EC adopt more modern and technologically advanced approaches.
