The head of Ghana's electoral commission announced to the press today that the country is ready for the upcoming parliamentary and presidential elections. Since overcoming military rule in 1992, Ghana is one of the few sub-Saharan states that have maintained strong democratic institutions and undergone peaceful transitions of power.
Unlike many of the countries we have studied in class, elections in Ghana are dynamic and narrowly contested. This year, current President John Mahama is expected to face a strong challenge from his opponent, Nana Akufo-Add. In the previous election, the President of the majority party, lost the election by a mere 30,000 votes. In order to curb voter fraud, the electoral commission has introduced biometric voter identification systems--machines that scan your fingerprint to ensure your eligibility to vote. The machines, which will be installed mostly in urban areas, are expected to reduce voter fraud and corruption among Ghana's 14 million registered voters.
In class we have learned about the "resource curse" and how the accumulation of rent from natural resources tends to exasperate government corruption. However, Ghana is a remarkable exception to this case because it is considered to be one of the most stable and prosperous democracies in Africa, despite its large gold and oil exports and a history of colonial exploitation and dictatorial rule.
"Ghana election: John Mahama faces Nana Akufo-Addo challenge." BBC Africa. 6 Dec. 2012. Web. 6 Dec. 2012. <http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-20631933>.
"Ghana election: John Mahama faces Nana Akufo-Addo challenge." BBC Africa. 6 Dec. 2012. Web. 6 Dec. 2012. <http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-20631933>.
Wow, the fingerprint scanning machines seem like a particularly strong push against voter fraud. Is this because elections have been so close in Ghana in the past? I wonder if voter fraud has normally been a concern there...?
ReplyDeleteThat is great. Ghana is preventing corruption before it can take place. As for the resource curse, I believe it can been handled by the leadership of the government, and Ghana is a great example.
ReplyDeleteIt is nice to here a positive story come out of Africa. It will be interesting to see if there is a transition of power during this elections. This will be a high-stakes election for the country and probably a determinant of what direction Ghana will take, especially as they have large amounts of wealth to decide how to spend. It is impressive how little violence has occurred during this round of elections and further solidifies Ghana's standing as a country of stability.
ReplyDeleteI'm surprised to here that a country such as Ghana, which is a stable democracy is fighting voter fraud. It is also interesting to compare this to the United States, where voter fraud is more of a myth than a real concern. That being said, it is great that the nation is able to invest in such machines in order to effectively alleviate these problems. Perhaps this is a country that other African nations should look up to in regards to free and fair elections...
ReplyDeleteIts great that Ghanas institutions are taking steps to prevent voter fraud because all it takes is for one candidate to call for a recount or make accusations of corruption for the country to go into turmoil. The reason i believe this is because in a tightly contested elections with half the country divided, it is easy for one side to rise up because their dissatisfaction with the elections
ReplyDeleteThe fingerprint scanners are a great idea and will definitely help reduce voter fraud within Ghana. That being said, I feel like countries where elections are rigged are in much more need of a system like this. While it will help Ghana ensure that each vote is legitimate, thus making the final election result more legitimate, other countries would see much more of a benefit from a system like this. Ghana already has close elections that make it a very democratic state. Other countries, where the extent of democracy is suspect could use more voter confirmation.
ReplyDeleteThe fingerprint scanners are a great idea and will definitely help reduce voter fraud within Ghana. That being said, I feel like countries where elections are rigged are in much more need of a system like this. While it will help Ghana ensure that each vote is legitimate, thus making the final election result more legitimate, other countries would see much more of a benefit from a system like this. Ghana already has close elections that make it a very democratic state. Other countries, where the extent of democracy is suspect could use more voter confirmation.
ReplyDeleteI agree with all of the above comments, this is a hopeful and encouraging story coming from a continent where we see much of the contrary. I wonder if other Sub-Saharan African states will look to Ghana and become inspired by their success of democracy or continue turning to a more authoritarian rule.
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