Remaining two days to the general December 7 Polls, Dr. John Osae Kwapong, a Fellow at the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD), has expressed optimism about Ghana’s political landscape, the activities of political parties, and the preparedness of the Electoral Commission (EC).
Dr. Osae Kwapong emphasized the significance of campaign rallies, the evolving dynamics of political engagement, and his trust level in the EC’s ability to deliver credible elections.
“At this point, with two days to the election, I believe 99% of the people have already made up their minds. The good thing about these rallies is that they are one last activity to wrap up the campaign, reinforce messages, get everybody excited, and remind everyone what is at stake.”
Dr. John Osae Kwapong CDD – Fellow
He noted that rallies provide an opportunity to mobilize and energize party supporters, ensuring they are ready to participate actively on election day.
On the issue of the proximity of campaign rally venues of both the NDC and the NPP, he emphasized;
“It’s interesting that they are that close to each other. But as both of them have rightly said, it’s about their party, their activity. They believe they can coexist peacefully.
Sometimes, they even interact outside [of political] issues, I don’t think they have any ill will towards each other. So, I believe that will play out, probably they would make fun of each other but still go ahead and have their final campaign rallies.”
Dr. John Osae Kwapong CDD – Fellow
When asked about Ghana’s overall preparedness for the elections, Dr. Osae Kwapong expressed a cautious sense of confidence.
“Some of the mistakes discovered raised concerns about the preparedness of the EC. But to their credit, they make these issues known and immediately let us know how they are proceeding to address some of these challenges that have come up. So, I’m just praying and hoping that on election day, everything goes smoothly.”
Dr. John Osae Kwapong CDD – Fellow
Political Dynamics and Election Forecasts
Dr. Osae Kwapong also clarified the likely outcome of the elections, referencing historical trends, economic factors, and voter sentiment.
“If you look at the economic pinch points that Ghanaians have felt [and] the deteriorating ratings of governance issues in [the] Afrobarometer, conventional wisdom would suggest that the NDC returns to power.”
Dr. John Osae Kwapong CDD – Fellow
However, the significance of voter turnout in special voting observed had been high in many areas, reaching 80% or more.
He noted that Voter turnout has been significant, which is what often happens when there is a transition in government. He asserted that the Political winds seem to be favoring the NDC.
However, Dr. Osae Kwapong cautioned against over-reliance on conventional wisdom, noting the mixed sentiments captured by Afrobarometer.
According to Dr. Osae Kwapong, four key government policies still have the support of Ghanaians, with free SHS topping the list at about 80–85% support. This makes the case for continuity, and that might be the reason Dr. Bawumia argued that the NPP is best positioned to continue these policies.
He concluded that 2024 could be an unconventional election, stressing; “The best poll is the one that happens on election day. We’ll have to wait until Saturday to see what actually happens.”
Dr. Osae Kwapong also highlighted the Vice President’s retail political strategy, describing it as transformative.
He highlighted that the Vice President has taken retail politics to a whole different level. Visiting all 276 constituencies and engaging in house-to-house campaigning adds a personal twist that can influence voters.
He noted that face-to-face interactions are becoming more impactful than traditional rallies. He added;
“There’s nothing like getting right in the face of the voter and personally interacting with them. It has the potential to change maybe previously held perceptions.”
Dr. John Osae Kwapong CDD – Fellow
The conversation concluded with an evaluation of the EC’s performance and trustworthiness. On a scale of 1 to 10, he rated the EC a 7. He emphasized;
”I would say a 7 because, despite all of the mistakes that we might’ve seen, and the challenges that have probe up. I am always an internal optimist; I like to appeal to the better angels in people.’’
Dr. John Osae Kwapong CDD – Fellow
He believes that the EC would rise above current challenges and that they would ensure a smooth electoral process.
Dr. John Osae Kwapong’s reflections capture the complex dynamics surrounding Ghana’s 2024 elections.
From the evolving role of rallies to the EC’s preparedness and the potential impact of retail politics, his analysis underscores the stakes and hopes as the nation approaches election day.
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