Voter Apathy? No. Voter Ignorance? Maybe

In the last five months, I have had the privilege of engaging with hundreds of citizens across over 150 constituencies. From the picturesque coastal towns of Busua and Ada to the vibrant cities of Kumasi, Tamale, and Techiman, and the rural communities of Pusiga, Maame Krobo, and Tempane, I have gained valuable insights into the enthusiasm and concerns of our people.

These interactions have provided a unique perspective on the issues that matter most to Ghanaians. The diversity of our country's landscapes and communities is matched only by the diversity of opinions and concerns expressed by citizens.

The natural beauty is undeniable. The rolling hills of the Akuapim Mountains, the lush rainforests and the sheer majesty of the Volta Lake, which remains a lifeline for many communities, especially in the beautiful Afram Plains area, all embodies the country's rich natural heritage. However, my travels was not spared the sad reality: the destruction of many of our rivers and water bodies.

The once-thriving rivers of the Western Region, now polluted and silted, shows the devastating impact of galamsey. The stench of pollution and the sight of barren landscapes in mining areas are a far cry from the lush, vibrant ecosystems that once supported local communities.

Enthusiasm 

The upcoming election is the hottest topic of discussion everywhere I went, with almost everyone eager to share their thoughts - except for a few individuals who seem hesitant to reveal their political affiliations, claiming they're not interested in politics. Meanwhile, the colorful flags and symbols of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) are visible everywhere - on streets, trees, light poles, and many other places, creating a vibrant atmosphere that's hard to ignore.
 
Nana Kwame Bediako, the new kid on the block, has huge billboards scattered around the country, and I was amazed by the sheer volume monetary resources he is pouring into his campaign given that he is an independent candidate. 

The enthusiasm is palpable, with economic turnaround, job creation, and good roads topping the list of concerns. However, despite this eagerness to participate, I've noticed a disturbing trend: a significant lack of understanding about the voting process, particularly among young voters.

When asked to demonstrate how to vote using a sample ballot, many struggled, resulting in spoiled ballots. This raises concerns about the potential impact of spoilt ballot on the election's outcome. 

The Electoral Commission (EC) is mandated by the Public Elections Regulations, 2016 (C.I. 94) to educate voters on the electoral process, but that was hugely missing from my observations. It is imperative that the EC intensifies its voter education efforts to prevent such occurrences on December 7 and ensure the integrity of the electoral process.

Spoilt ballot 

Some observers argue that the EC should consider counting votes for the late Akua Donkor as valid, rather than invalidating them as it had the potential of decreasing valid vote cast which is essential for the outcome of the election. I concur with this view, as it would greatly affect the number of spoiled ballots and, ultimately, the final result. 

We are assured that people will pour out to vote since over the course of the 4th Republic, we have consistently maintained around 70 percent voter turnout for the presidential and parliamentary elections. With a high turnout expected, there's a risk of a corresponding increase in invalid votes, especially given the current concerns. This highlights the need for intensified voter education to ensure that citizens can cast their ballots correctly.

In the 2020 general election for instance, the number of invalid votes cast was significant. According to the EC, a total of 267,951 votes were rejected as invalid. This number is substantial, considering the margin between the top two candidates. The invalid votes accounted for about 1.6 per cent of the total votes cast with a close margin of victory as the winning candidate secured just over 51 per cent of the valid votes cast. The 267,951 invalid votes could have potentially altered the outcome of the election, and this for me highlights the need for intensified voter education efforts to prevent such occurrences on December 7.

Voter education 

The issues at stake in this election are multifaceted and far-reaching, encompassing the implementation of the Free SHS program, combating corruption, addressing environmental concerns, and balancing the economic needs surrounding galamsey. It's imperative that voters are empowered with the knowledge to simply cast a VALID vote. 

To achieve this, an intensive one-week media education campaign on how to cast a ballot effectively could be instrumental. This initiative will shed light on the voting process, dispel common misconceptions, and combat deliberate misinformation, such as the recent incident involving a Kumasi-based radio presenter who was arrested for spreading false information. 

The fate of our democracy depends on it.