According to Dr. Zachariah Langnel, a Political Scientist and Governance Consultant, demonstrations, or civic activism, have long been a key part of Ghana’s governance system.

Dr. Langnel explained that citizens frequently resort to demonstrations when they feel duty-bearers are not responding to their demands.

In an interview with the Vaultz News, he noted that duty-bearers take notice of planned demonstrations due to their potential impact.

As such, the Political Scientist indicated that politicians, concerned about the next election and public anger, often seek to address issues raised through demonstrations to prevent escalation.

“But it is also because we have a political system where whatever citizens say, politicians don’t want to yield to that. They try to be very adamant, and demonstrations have always been the last resort”.
“So, people always resort to demonstrations as their last resort after they have tried all other means, whether through negotiations, and if they don’t get results, they then use demonstrations to compel the duty-bearer to yield to their demands.”
Dr. Zachariah Langnel, a Political Scientist

He emphasized that peaceful demonstrations are an effective way for citizens to pressure duty-bearers.

Demonstrations draw significant public attention and engage the general population, raising awareness about state actions.

Dr. Langnel noted that in contrast, lobbying often occurs behind the scenes and may go unnoticed, giving the impression that duty-bearers are responsible regardless of the outcome.

Demonstrations, he stressed, visibly put pressure on the government and clearly indicate where the demands are coming from.

“And don’t forget that it is not only the demonstrators who achieve their aim. It also paints the government in a bad light. If you are a smart government, you may not want people to reach the point of demonstrating because it makes you unpopular and has political consequences”.
Dr. Zachariah Langnel, a Political Scientist

Demonstrations Key To Holding Leaders Accountable

Furthermore, Dr. Zachariah Langnel noted that demonstrations are tools citizens use to compel leaders to be accountable.

According to Dr. Langnel, for demonstrations to produce accountability, they must be peaceful, as violent demonstrations involving destruction and damage are concerning.

“Those violent demonstrations do not bring results. Peaceful demonstrations should not be too partisan. Partisan demonstrations don’t yield results because when they are very partisan, the government might dismiss them as being driven by parochial interests.”
“But when the majority is non-partisan, then we have professionals and civil society organizations involved, making them more powerful.”
Dr. Zachariah Langnel, a Political Scientist

Non-partisan demonstrations, according to the Political Scientist, are more likely to achieve their goals, effectively demanding accountability from duty-bearers and the government as a whole.

Dr. Langnel advised that demonstrations should be non-partisan and inclusive to be effective.

He noted that demonstrations are allowed by the Constitution, which fosters a free political environment supporting civic activism.

As such, Dr. Langnel asserted that demonstrations are integral to democracy and help sustain it.

He pointed out that in whatever way one looks at it, demonstrations do not undermine democracy—they enhance it.

“It may seem that demonstrations undermine democracy when attempts are made to obstruct them or when the police use force to suppress them. However, when demonstrations are peaceful, they actually strengthen democracy rather than undermine it.”
Dr. Zachariah Langnel, a Political Scientist

Dr. Langnel also pointed out that the government often tries to use force to suppress demonstrations because it understands their political consequences.

Accordingly, he indicated that attempts to suppress demonstrations are problematic because they represent the voices of the people—the voices of democracy.

To him, silencing these voices is akin to silencing democracy itself.

Demo Not To Coerce EC, But To Express Grievances

Moreover, Dr. Zachariah Langnel noted that while the NDC’s scheduled demonstration on 17^th September 2024, might not necessarily compel the Electoral Commission (EC) to meet its demands, it serves to show the public that the NDC feels unfairly treated.

This, according to Dr. Langnel, helps bolster the NDC’s support base and reassures its supporters that the party is actively addressing grievances.

Essentially, it is a way to maintain partisan support and demonstrate commitment, regardless of the immediate results.

“The [NDC’s] demonstration must end with a petition. The petition to the duty-bearer is to act. The NDC needs to come out and state clearly its issues with evidence, because the EC is saying that what the NDC is saying lacks evidence. So, the NDC needs to articulate their points clearly and get the public to understand”.
“Demonstrations can create uncomfortable situations for the demonstrators and may also paint them negatively in the public eye. Thus, instead of becoming an effective tool, demonstrations might undermine their efforts. The NDC should be cautious.”
Dr. Zachariah Langnel, a Political Scientist

As such, Dr. Langnel advised the NDC to carefully plan its demonstration, including identifying leaders and managing supporters.

He noted that establishing clear parameters and measures to prevent disruption is crucial.

“If the demonstration proceeds peacefully and the NDC effectively communicates its message to the public, the NDC may achieve its objectives to some extent. Adhering to legal parameters is crucial for ensuring a successful and peaceful demonstration.”
Dr. Zachariah Langnel, a Political Scientist

He further pointed out that the EC, as an independent institution, must work with key stakeholders in the electoral system, including the NDC, which is a significant player and build trust.

He stated that if there are issues, the EC should sit down with the NDC to discuss and address concerns.

“If the NDC is calling for a forensic audit, such an audit could enhance transparency and reassure everyone about the system’s integrity. Given the current credibility issues facing the EC, allowing a forensic audit could add an additional layer of transparency to Ghana’s electoral process, which would be beneficial for all parties involved.”
Dr. Zachariah Langnel, a Political Scientist

Dr. Langnel also noted that even if the EC believes the system is sound, addressing concerns through discussion remains essential.

However, he indicated that some recent official statements and responses have not been conducive to peacebuilding and constructive dialogue.