Assin North By-Election; A Learning Point For Ghana’s Political Parties

Ghana has undoubtedly been the trailblazer in Africa and the sub-region, by way of true and steady democracy. Ghana showed the way even in the light of independence from colonial rule. The nation has guarded its democracy very well, after three disappointing republics, amidst some challenges and flaws though. One would have thought that as we continue to make such huge strides, more and more meaningful lessons would not only be learnt, but importantly, applied to effectively help shape and improve the democratic dispensation of this nation. Ironically, this has not been the case. General, Parliamentary and By-Elections in this country have been the bane for Ghana’s holistic democratic success. As per the nation’s supreme laws, whenever a vacancy occurs in Parliament, the Clerk to Parliament shall notify the Electoral Commission in writing within seven days and a bye-election shall be held within thirty days after the vacancy occurred. This is in accordance with article 112 (5) of the constitution of Ghana.

By-elections, known as special elections in other countries such as the United States of America, the Philippines and India as bypolls, are used to fill vacancies, when there is more time ahead of the period of the Parliaments. This comes as a result of the death or resignation of the incumbent, recall, incapacitation, or criminal conviction, among other factors.

The National Democratic Congress and the New Patriotic Party are the worst offenders in this respect. This is because it is under their watch as respective governments that the nation has seen violence during by-elections. Both parties aspire to ensure the betterment of the nationals through divergent methods and plans. For this and many other reasons, by-elections in Ghana have been misconstrued to be the barometer to authenticate the effectiveness or otherwise of the ruling party.

Political parties, both in power and in opposition and in this case, the major opposition party, therefore, throw in all efforts to ensure victory during bye-elections to prove a point.

Since the beginning of the Fourth Republic, a number of by-elections have taken place and the few that quickly come to mind include the Akwatia constituency in 2009, the Atiwa constituency in 2010, the Wulensi & Kwabre West constituencies in 2012, Talensi Constituency in 2015, which appeared bloodier, the Abetifi and Abuakwa North constituencies in 2016, the Ayawaso West Wuogon and more recently Kumawu and the just ended this week, in the Assin-North Constituencies.

The Assin-North by-election on Tuesday, June 27, 2023 was different, because it was the only one that was not as a result of the death of the incumbent Member of Parliament, MP. It was also the only one the incumbent MP contested and won. It was fiercely contested amidst wide speculations and allegations of vote buying. It was generally peaceful, but left in its tail the issue of vote buying. This sends unpleasant signals to the entire nation and indeed the rest of the world, that all is not well with our democracy and elections in general.

The Assin-North Constituency seat became vacant, following a Supreme Court ruling that removed James Gyakye Quayson from Parliamentary proceedings, due to his alleged dual citizenship status. Consequently, a bye-election will be held to fill the vacant seat. Over 800 police officers are reported to have been deployed to the constituency to maintain peace and order.

There was a huge presence of the top hierarchy of the two major political parties, the New Patriotic Party, NPP and the National Democratic Congress, NDC. The order of the by-election by way of violence is gradually giving way to prompt provision of massive projects in constituencies where bye-elections take place.

Ruling governments amass resources and make provisions for huge development projects, especially in the area of roads. Close to by-elections, the sudden massive development that is experienced by constituents is gradually becoming the order now. The mantra by the voters is that there must be more by-elections. Some MPs are jokingly considering resigning to pave the way for by-elections, with their accompanying massive infrastructure developments in their constituencies. Vote buying is when a candidate or candidates will pay citizens or voters some favourable amount of money or give out other items  in exchange for vote in their favour. It is also sometimes in the form of gifts. In this case, it is usually viewed as purely an economic exchange, in which the voter sells his or her vote to the highest bidder or one who gives out the bigger cash or gift. In the very last two by-elections in the country, the two major political parties in contention, the  NDC and the NPP, have accused each other of massive vote-buying activities.

The NPP and the NDC are reported to be engaged in a back-and-forth exchange of accusations regarding vote buying in the lead-up to the Assin-North by-election. The effectiveness of efforts to eliminate the practice of vote buying depends on how well reformers anticipate the menu of offer strategies available to candidates and whether they take into account the particular meanings recipients attach to the offers.** Vote buying is rarely an isolated action and it perpetuates corruption throughout the entire political system. When a candidate chooses to pay for support, rather than compete fairly for votes, they show a disregard for democratic norms and a willingness to use illegal means and this must stop. It must stop if we really need men and women of integrity and valour for the much anticipated development of our dear nation.

Written By: Dr. Nana Sifa Twum, Media and Communications Consultant.

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