IDEG proposes electoral reforms

The Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG) is proposing the introduction of a mixed-member proportional representation system and legal timelines for resolving parliamentary election disputes. 

These proposals form part of efforts to improve political representation and build greater public trust in Ghana’s electoral system.

The proposals were presented at a post-election forum held at the University for Development Studies (USD) in Tamale.

The forum was organised by IDEG in partnership with NORSAAC and supported by the European Union (EU).

The programme brought together civil society groups, traditional rulers, women’s organisations and development partners from across the five regions of the north.

Proposals

The Research Fellow for Advocacy and Institutional Relations at IDEG,  Kwesi Jonah, said the current electoral system limits the number of women elected into public office, with women representing only four per cent at the district level.

He argued that a mixed-member system would allow political parties to include more women on proportional lists, making it more likely for the country to meet the 30 to 35 per cent representation targets set in the Affirmative Action (Gender Equality) Law, 2024.

These targets, he noted, are expected to be met by 2026 and 2027.

Mr Jonah also expressed concern about delays in resolving parliamentary election disputes, which he said affected public confidence in the electoral process.

While acknowledging the Judicial Service’s recent update of the Election Adjudication Manual, he said those revisions are not enough without legislation that sets deadlines for concluding such cases.

“It is one thing to revise manuals. It is another to make those revisions work in practice. Without a law setting a clear timeline, delays will continue,” he said.

Concerted effort needed

IDEG also called on Parliament and the Judiciary to pass a law that requires all parliamentary election petitions to be concluded within 120 days, in line with practices adopted in many other countries.