The 2016 elections: Perspectives, intrigues and resolve (1)
It usually comes across to many as a gruelling process; the intensity, absolutely critical; the stakes, ever so high; the resolve permanently present and the outcome, so elusive to all. Election is a critical undertaking with the aforementioned attributes and continues to be the best avenue for choosing leaders through defined and highly acceptable processes and systems.
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Undoubtedly, post-colonial Africa gained prominence through a host of coups, political upheavals and murky governance systems in which despots held sway.
Indeed, Africa has been relevant in international tabloids due to political unrests, upheavals and dark developments, with countries such as Rwanda, Liberia, Cote d’Ivoire, Somalia, Burundi and Sierra Leone giving credence to these worrying and devastating trends.
In recent time; however, Africa has rewritten its script of prominence and shown great commitment towards enhancing and consolidating its democratic credentials as a continent. As a people, we need to acknowledge our strides. As a continent, there is reason to celebrate our modest gains and strive to achieve even better laurels ahead of times.
A star across the horizon
Ghana, a trailblazer in Africa’s quest for political independence and economic emancipation, continues to illuminate the orbit of good governance and democracy, much to the admiration of the comity of nations.
Through successful elections and change of governments since 1992, Ghana never ceases to impress and write Africa’s name in gold once the polls are set upon the beautiful country with a rich African heritage. It has been four years since the last election was held in 2012; an election that held a nation spellbound and produced a historic election petition contesting the results at the Supreme Court.
Though the petitioners lost the case through a split decision, electoral reforms evolved to strengthen, provide more transparency and enhance our electoral processes. How wonderful time flies! The politically alive and passionate citizens of Ghana have gone to the polls and elected a new president and Members of Parliament since December 7th 2016.
Ambitions and stakes
The 2016 general election will go down as the most fascinating, explosive, tactful and highly elusive election yet in the history of the country. It can be judged as unbelievably traumatising as it has been expectantly soul-soothing and exciting, depending on which political divide one finds himself. The stakes were exceptionally high.
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On one side stood an unyielding septuagenarian who was having a go at the Presidency for the third time after two failed attempts.
The odds of losing yet again were too depressing to comprehend. Age was going to be less of a friend and failing as standard bearer for the third time would have certainly drawn the curtains on the well-travelled political journey of an illustrious and dignified lawyer, a distinguished public servant and diplomat extraordinaire to an unfulfilled and agonizing end. Losing the election was surely not a slot on Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s chessboard.
On the other side of the tale of two cities came this affable, handsome, free flowing, mild mannered and easy going personality embodied in our youthful President John Mahama. As a product of the political mill of Ghana, the Adonis had valuable experience by way of service to the nation through multiple political portfolios to the Presidency.
On the backdrop of massive infrastructural development, he sought re-election. Failing to win kept him on the threshold of making unpalatable history as the first president to serve Ghana for just a term under the fourth republic; a feat that would definitely put a blemish on the otherwise impeccable political record of a fine gentleman who has been favoured by destiny.
Nana Akufo-Addo/Bawumia Effect
A very profound advantage of being in opposition and contesting an election is the latitude to have heads start to the race. Delving straight to business with verve and alacrity, Nana Akufo-Addo kick-started the campaign of his life with a mantra of change interlaced with an assurance of hope and a reassurance in the belief that Ghana could work again.
Concentrating his campaign on critical concerns of public interest such as unemployment, ripple effects of “dumsor”, taxes, corruption and general mismanagement of a once upon a time viable economy, Nana Akufo-Addo found the ambit to articulate his call for change and to roll out with gusto, his vision towards a better Ghana that will work again.
Being presidential is rare quality most presidential aspirants seldom exhibit. However, Nana Akufo-Addo has always espoused great presidential traits in his public life and service to Ghana. Through engagements, he has always carried himself in an aura of self-belief, commitment and focus; great traits of a leader. With a rejuvenated spirit, imbued with inner strength and confidence, he appealed to the sensibilities of the masses by focusing his campaign on simple but critical concerns such as health insurance, taxes and cost of doing business, cost of living, student allowances, jobs, agriculture etc.
In the clearest of terms, he touted his belief in Ghana as well as his ability and capability of fixing the myriad of problems confronting Ghanaians.
While he was at it, the ruling government instead of proffering better solutions and show of goodwill about the plight of the people and how to fix these issues, staged a grand campaign on over-subscribed personality attacks on Nana Akufo-Addo. Using the whirlwind of rough times in the NPP leading to the suspension of Chairman Paul Afoko and General Secretary Kwabena Agyepong, the NDC tore Nana Akufo-Addo’s leadership abilities to tatters and claimed he could never be president.
To further make matters worse, the NDC campaign pooh - poohed almost every policy intention and proposed strategy to be used in solving problems of the masses without proposing alternatives. In fact, he was heavily run down and termed desperate.
In the scheme of twists and turns, Ghanaians realised that the battle for the Jubilee House was not one based on issues between the NPP and NDC but a carefully crafted one between the NDC and the personality called Nana Akufo- Addo. It is therefore within reasonable limits to state that the vote difference of one million and above has sympathy playing a major role on the minds of voters in favour of the septuagenarian.
It is true that some people make up their minds on which party and whom to vote for before Election Day. It is also true that some minds linger in limbo until the last day before election. The last rallies of the two major parties played a significant role in getting people to make up their minds at the eleventh hour. Through the last rally, Nana Akufo-Addo effectively outlined his vision.
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He forcefully reiterated his commitment to a better Ghana. He appealed to Ghanaians with all seriousness and with undiluted charisma he carried his party along and made a profound and poignant statement for change that captivated millions of people across Ghana. His last-minute display settled minds and projected him to victory eventually.
To add impetus and mojo to the serious-minded campaign, Dr Mahamadu Bawumia, Nana Akufo-Addo’s wing man, brought economic clarity to Ghana’s sinking situation that needed restoration. The savvy economist who made a bold statement of self-worth to Ghanaians through the election petition case brought government to its knees by way of exposés on the Ghanaian economy and macroeconomic stability.