The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of Nigeria, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, expressed admiration for Ghana’s political landscape, highlighting a remarkable tradition where politicians seldom switch parties during general elections. This practice stands in stark contrast to the frequent party defections observed in Nigeria, which often disrupts electoral continuity and voter loyalty.
Prof. Yakubu’s comments came in the wake of Ghana’s successful 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections, which saw former President John Dramani Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) triumph over Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP). Bawumia, gracious in defeat, publicly congratulated Mahama, stating, “The people of Ghana have spoken and they have voted for change at this time. We respect this with all humility.” This election marked a significant shift in power, ending two terms of governance under Nana Akufo-Addo, a period characterized by economic challenges, including soaring inflation and a debt crisis.
Prof. Yakubu, who observed the elections alongside representatives from Yiaga Africa, praised Ghana’s electoral innovations and the political stability that underpins its democratic process. He noted, “Rarely in Ghana do you see people moving from one party to another with every general election. This consistency provides stability, allowing supporters to remain loyal to their parties regardless of whether they are in power or opposition.”
This loyalty is not merely anecdotal; it reflects a broader cultural commitment to party affiliation in Ghana, where political identities are deeply rooted. Yakubu pointed to the perseverance of key political figures, such as Mahama and Akufo-Addo, who have both navigated multiple elections before achieving their respective successes. Such dedication fosters a political environment where voters feel a sense of continuity and trust in their representatives.
Moreover, Yakubu highlighted an important reform in Ghana’s electoral process: the decentralization of result management. Traditionally, all parliamentary and presidential election results were sent to the Electoral Commission’s headquarters in Accra for announcement. However, Ghana has adopted a more efficient system that allows constituency-level officers to announce parliamentary results locally, while presidential results are still relayed to Accra. This change, inspired by Nigeria’s own electoral practices, has significantly expedited the results announcement process, contributing to a smoother electoral experience.
Yakubu remarked, “Although Ghana is not a federal system, they learned from Nigeria where returning officers announce results for parliamentary elections in various constituencies. This is the second time they are implementing this approach, and the speed of the presidential election result declaration reflects that improvement.”
