“Free
election of masters does not abolish the masters or the slaves”
―
As Ghana and some other African
countries prepare to go to the polls to elect political leaders for the next
term, one very common slogan that runs through our media waves is “Your Vote,
Your power”. This slogan is mostly championed by Civil Society Organizations, Think
tanks, the Media and Political Parties as a means of encouraging citizens to
cast their ballot.
The slogan “your vote, your
power” seems to suggest citizens are vested with enormous power and authority
in determining how and who governs or takes charge of the country in the
ensuing years. The power vested in citizens to determine who governs is clearly
captured in the slogan but as to whether
citizens have the power on how the country is administered after election still
remains highly questionable in my humble opinion.
The Ghanaian voter is referred
to as “King-Makers” in the lead up to elections. Interestingly, the Ghanaian
voter is reminded of this accolade only when elections are due. Quite strangely,
these same voters who are referred to as “King –Makers” prior to elections are
referred to as “ordinary Ghanaians” in the “political language” right after
elections. Isn’t it ironical that, “King makers” seem to lose all their power
right after elections and become “ordinary Ghanaians?”
As we continue to be reminded on
our media handles on a daily basis “your vote is your power” in the lead up to
the general presidential and parliamentary elections, let us soberly reflect if
indeed the Ghanaian voter is powerful or not.
Is the voter only powerful prior
to elections?
Who really wields power in a
democracy; citizens or politicians?
How can the voter exercise this
power judiciously to address his/ her needs?
Is elections a formality of transferring power from one political actor to the other?
Very characteristic of partisan politics
in Ghana, political parties both the incumbent and opposition parties resort to
various campaign strategies prior to elections. Dominant among these strategies
is the launching of the manifestoes. The manifesto in political terms is
described as a social contract that binds electorates and the political
parties. The manifesto as a document outlines the vision, aspirations,
policies, programs and plans earmarked for the country. This document should
guide voters in their choice of candidates but as to whether people vote based
on manifesto promises or not can best be answered in our hearts and minds.
Voters in Ghana largely vote
based on several reasons of which some appear strange.
The real die hearted supporters
vote probably without any justifiable basis. They vote because they want their
political party to either stay in government or assume office irrespective of
their plans.
Some vote based on ethnic, tribal
and family inclinations
Some people vote based on purely
hatred for a political party.
Others vote for a political
party because it is a “family ritual”.
A good number of people vote because
it is their constitutional right and must be exercised.
Undoubtedly, the Ghanaian voter
is becoming more and more discerning and majority vote based on competence,
personality and integrity and that must be demonstrated in the impending
elections.
Prior to elections, some
political actors practically beg voters, some even end up pounding fufu,
engaging in all sorts of funny strategies just to win the trust and mandates of
the voters. Sadly right after elections, the tables suddenly turn, citizens
have to virtually beg, cry, and organize demonstrations in order to get the
attention or their needs addressed by some political actors. One funny but sad
account on why people vote against some parliamentarians is due to the fact
that, some members of parliament become “invisible” and inaccessible right
after getting the mandate.
With the induction of the 4th
Republican Constitution, Ghana has had seven “successful” and peaceful
elections. Ghana prides itself as the beacon of hope and democracy on the
African continent. The impending elections in Ghana is rather interesting, a
contest between an incumbent president and a former president among others.
This election presents the Ghanaian voter an opportunity to decide based on
proven records, credibility, honesty and competence. It as well affords the
Ghanaian voter, the mandate to decipher political liars and empty rhetoric
based on what they accused each other whiles in opposition and what they
actually delivered with their mandate. This is a clear case of comparing “apples
to apples”.
In governance, the ultimate aim
is to improve upon the living standards of citizens. This can be done by
providing equal socio-economic opportunities for all and sundry irrespective of
their political, ethnic, academic inclination. Occupying political office
should not be a platform for political actors to strategically position their
friends, relations and cronies to progress to the detriment of the masses.
As King makers, December 7th
2020, presents us an opportunity to exercise our Kingly power by
selecting candidates who prioritize the interest of the masses instead of their
friends and cronies. This is the time to
select candidates who have demonstrated sincerity, honesty and dedication in
alleviating the plights of the ordinary Ghanaian. This is indeed to prove to
political actors that, the Ghanaian voter is really discerning.
Let no one intimidate you
Let no one induce you with “gifts’
Let no one buy your conscience
Let no one belittle you due to
your stance and conviction.
Cast your ballot, vote for peace
and stability
Vote for progress
Vote for honesty
Vote for credibility and
integrity
Vote for the future of Ghana.
Above all, let us remember we
have one lovely and beautiful Ghana.
Let me take this opportunity to remind ourselves as a people on the need to promote peace in the electioneering period. The ultimate aim of elections is to charter a path of progress. There cannot be any development without peace. If we really need development, then let us be guided in our utterances, actions and inactions. To my fellow youth, let us not allow ourselves to be used as agents of political violence. Let us note we are King Makers and must behave as royals.
As Abraham Lincoln defines
democracy “Government of the people, by the people and for the people. Let us
vote for candidates who will govern with us and ensure our collective interest
is prioritized. A vote on December 7th must be a vote for
development.
God bless our homeland Ghana and
make our nation great and strong.
Kwame Ohene- Ntow
YALI Dream
A Better Ghana
A Brighter Africa
The writer holds a Master’s degree in Development Policy and Planning from KNUST, a bachelor’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Ghana Business School, A YALI fellow and team member of the SOS-CV “No Business as Usual Project” which is promoting local socio-economic development and training youth in employable and entrepreneurial skills in Kumasi.
Email: Vincentntow12@gmail.com
