The Chairman of Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has praised Ghana for conducting a seamless and transparent 2024 presidential election. Held on December 7, the election saw former President John Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) emerge victorious over Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). Bawumia conceded defeat promptly, commending Mahama and respecting the people’s choice. Yakubu, who monitored the election, lauded Ghana’s political and electoral systems, emphasising the importance of stability and consistency in promoting democratic growth.
He attributed much of Ghana’s electoral success to the stability of its political system, highlighting how political leaders and voters tend to remain loyal to their parties over the years. Unlike some countries where defections and party-switching disrupt political continuity, Ghana’s politicians rarely change affiliations. This loyalty contributes to a predictable and orderly political environment. Meanwhile, such consistency also benefits voters, who develop long-term trust and engagement with their chosen parties. Whether a party is in power or opposition, its supporters remain steadfast, ensuring a vibrant and resilient democracy. This dedication strengthens the region’s political institutions and provides a solid foundation for electoral processes.
Nigeria’s influence on the region’s electoral innovation.
Furthermore, Yakubu noted that Ghana has improved its election management by adopting Nigeria’s decentralised system for announcing results. Previously, all parliamentary and presidential results were sent to the Electoral Commission’s headquarters in Accra, leading to delays and logistical challenges. The region now employs constituency-level officers to announce parliamentary results locally, while only presidential results are sent to Accra. This decentralised approach, which they implemented for the second time in 2024, significantly speeds up the announcement process, reduces tensions, and fosters public confidence in the system. He expressed pride in seeing Nigeria’s electoral practices positively influencing them, demonstrating the value of regional collaboration and knowledge-sharing in strengthening democratic processes.
However, the 2024 Ghanaian presidential election has been widely commended for its transparency and efficiency. Results from 12 of the country’s 16 regions confirmed Mahama’s victory, with 61% of the vote compared to Bawumia’s 38%. The NDC won key regions such as Greater Accra, Volta, and the Northern Region, while the NPP held its traditional strongholds in the Ashanti and North East Regions. The smooth conduct of the vote and Bawumia’s timely concession highlighted the maturity of the region’s democracy. International observers described the vote as a benchmark for transparency and inclusivity, further solidifying their position as a model for other African nations.
Activists speak on Nigeria’s electoral challenges in 2023.
Despite commending the region’s success, Yakubu faced criticism from Nigerian activist and lawyer Ifeanyi Ejiofor. The activist contrasted Ghana’s seamless election with Nigeria’s 2023 general elections, which were marred by allegations of rigging and widespread irregularities. Ejiofor expressed frustration over the praise while unresolved issues linger in Nigeria. He cited the controversial server “glitch” during the Nigerian election that raised questions about the integrity of the results and the credibility of INEC. The activist called for accountability and reform within Nigeria’s electoral system, urging authorities to emulate the region’s example by prioritising transparency and the people’s mandate.
On the other hand, their just concluded election offers valuable lessons for other African countries striving to improve their democratic systems. The transparent and efficient process, with political stability and a peaceful power transfer, demonstrates the importance of strong institutions and respect for voters’ choices. Observers have emphasised the need for African democracies to invest in decentralised result management systems, voter education, and party loyalty to ensure free and fair votes. The region’s example underscores how these factors contribute to public trust and legitimacy in governance.
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Lastly, the newly elected president’s victory came during a challenging period for the country, marked by economic difficulties, including high Inflation and a debt crisis, although not only were they facing such crisis. His return to power represents a call for change and renewed hope among Ghanaians seeking solutions to the country’s pressing issues. While he prepares to lead the country, expectations are high for his administration to address economic challenges while building on the democratic gains in the 2024 vote. His leadership will play a pivotal role in shaping the country’s future and restoring confidence in governance.