Ghana decides 2024: Special voting begins after peace pact

Ghanaians are gearing up to head to the polls this weekend as political parties and their presidential candidates have signed a peace pact ahead of the crucial election. The Electoral Commission has kickstarted the nationwide Special Voting exercise except in the Western and Eastern regions, where it will take place on Thursday. Mikolaj Judson, an Analyst at Control Risks, shared insights on the election build-up, the role of third-party candidates, and the business climate in Ghana with CNBC Africa. The Special Voting exercise allows media personnel, security forces, and election personnel to cast their votes ahead of the main election day on the 7th of December. However, the exercise has faced challenges in the Western and Eastern regions due to concerns over spoiled ballot papers, leading to a postponement. The Electoral Commission's move to address these issues showcases a commitment to transparency and fair elections. The signing of the peace pact is another significant development as it underscores the commitment of political parties to peaceful elections and dispute resolution. It serves both as a practical measure to ensure a smooth voting process and as a symbolic gesture to reinforce the importance of electoral peace in Ghana's democratic process. The upcoming election in Ghana has seen a heightened level of competition, highlighted by a hung parliament and potential government shutdown over budget disagreements. Rival parties have engaged in strong rhetoric, with each emphasizing the importance of securing power. The close contest between the ruling party and the opposition sets the stage for a fiercely contested election. Several key issues have shaped the election narrative, including the cost of living crisis, unfulfilled promises by the ruling party, and concerns over illegal mining activities. These factors have fueled frustrations among voters, making the opposition party, NDC, a prominent contender in the upcoming election. The possibility of a runoff election remains on the table, with third-party candidates like Alan Chermatton potentially influencing the voting dynamics. The Movement for Change candidate could sway NPP voters in their stronghold, increasing the likelihood of a runoff scenario. While the Electoral Commission plays a crucial role in ensuring a smooth electoral process, public trust in the institution has come under scrutiny. Criticisms and challenges from political stakeholders, especially in the event of a disputed election outcome, may further test the EC's credibility and independence. Looking ahead to election day, concerns linger over potential violence in hotspots, although Ghana has a strong track record of peaceful elections. The signing of the peace pact and historical election stability are expected to mitigate the risk of widespread unrest, with localized incidents being the primary concern. In the event of an NPP victory, the likelihood of unrest increases due to the unexpected outcome and preexisting criticisms of the Electoral Commission. However, international pressure to resolve any disputes through legal channels is expected to guide post-election processes. For businesses and investors, the focus lies beyond Election Day, with an eye on potential policy changes under a new government. The NDC's stance on economic matters, including the IMF deal and contract reviews, may impact various sectors, necessitating proactive planning and analysis for businesses operating in Ghana. The parliamentary elections are also crucial, with forecasts predicting a legislative win for the NDC in alignment with the presidential race. Economic frustrations and voter sentiments are likely to influence the legislative outcome, mirroring the trends seen in the presidential contest. As Ghana prepares for the election, the key concerns revolve around the potential impact of change under an NDC government, the gap between campaign promises and governance realities, and the overall stability of the electoral process. The analysis and forecasts provided shed light on the dynamics at play as the nation approaches a pivotal moment in its democratic journey.