“Are you in favour of the Bill to amend clause(3) of article 55 of the 1992 constitution to allow political parties to sponsor candidates for elections to District Assemblies or lower local government units? YES or NO”
A referendum is scheduled to be held alongside the Metropolitan, Municipal, District Chief Executives and the Local government election on December 17, 2019.
This is in reference to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s steps in fulfillment of its manifesto promise in the 2016 general election by seeking an amendment in parliament to article 243, Clause(1) of the Constitution which will allow for the first time in the country’s history, popular local election for MMDCEs.
The purpose of the upcoming referendum as a sign of a democratic system is to seek the approval and concern of the Ghanaian populace if they agree that political parties should support the local government and MMDCEs election.
For the time being the referendum has spark public discussion from all sectors of the Ghanaian public , including social media.
The reason behind is whether the article 55 clause(3) should be amended or not.
Some political parties are influencing Ghanaians to vote YES whiles, others are refuting to a NO vote.
On the other hand, some parties have disclosed to the public that politicizing the election will affect accountability and growth of the country.
Others have the notion that the Local assembly have been politicized for decades already so this will give the public chance to ensure development, which will improve the living conditions of the people.
Some Ghanaians have given their concern on the national issue. According to them giving political parties the chance to finance the election is not acceptable, there will be corruption and misunderstanding in the country.
In Ghana here it is “winner takes all” when their party is in power these leaders tend to do what ever they like without any punishment, one interviewee stated”
He further explained that if the leaders at the local government and MMDCE are multi party, corruption will limit, there will be transparency and accountability. Because if an elected person of party A misconduct himself or herself, Party B will expose it to light. This will ensure a better Ghana” he said.
Some people spoke on the notion that, the development and peace of mother Ghana is their priority as citizens, therefore they will go for a “YES” in the upcoming election on December 17.
” For a political party to sponsor District Assembly and Local Government’s is a “NO’ another interviewee stated. He expressed his concern that politicizing the election will affect development and democracy. It’s a “NO, NO” vote he said.
