Editorial: What is the way forward; as low turnout mar local elections again

The Programmes Manager in charge of Local and Urban Governance at the Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) has attributed the low turnout in the District Level Election (DLE) to insufficient publicity.

In an interview on Joy FM yesterday, Mr. Paul Aborampah Mensah said that media and civil society organisations did not put in enough effort, compared to the build-up for national elections.

He noted that unlike the extensive coverage and promotion of the national election, the District Level Election was only advertised three weeks after the Electoral Commission (EC) initiated its promotion.

“The publicity, to me is not enough. I don’t blame the Electoral Commission either, because we are part of the problem for District Level Election. If it were to be a national election, Joy FM will establish the Election Headquarters, etc. to start a countdown ahead of the election,” he said.

He added that during national election, political parties play a part. A day before the national election, you go to the bus terminals and you see buses full, because some political parties facilitate the movement of their supporters to go to their electoral areas to vote. The same is not seen in the District Level Election.

Since there are so many deficits in the conduct, management and facilitation of District Level Election, Mr. Paul Aborampah Mensah called for more sustained and intensified publicity.

It was also reported that elections in some electoral areas in the Ashanti and Eastern regions were postponed due to technical challenges. 

Yesterday’s District Level Elections have once again brought to light a worrying trend, that is, the significant lack of voter turnout. Despite concerted efforts by various media outlets and civil society organisations to encourage participation, the numbers at the polls fell far below expectations.

The Chronicle, in the run up to the District Level Elections, urged Ghanaians to go and exercise their civic duty by participating in the elections. However, the unfortunate outcome leaves us pondering about the reasons for such low engagement.

It’s essential to acknowledge the disparities in attention and resources allocated to different elections within Ghana’s democratic framework. National elections often monopolise the spotlight, receiving extensive coverage, debates and heightened awareness campaigns. In contrast, the District Level Elections often face a paucity of such attention, resulting in low public engagement.

This discrepancy is detrimental to the essence of grassroots democracy. District-level governance plays a crucial role in shaping local communities, addressing grassroots issues and ensuring citizen participation in decision-making processes. However, the palpable lack of enthusiasm and participation in the DLE jeopardizes the very fabric of local governance and citizen empowerment.

While acknowledging the challenges posed by insufficient publicity, it is crucial to explore multifaceted solutions. Media outlets must prioritise balanced coverage and dedicated campaigns for DLEs, ensuring they receive adequate attention and promotion. Civil society organisations should intensify efforts in grassroots mobilisation, educating citizens about the importance of local elections in shaping their immediate environment.

Additionally, the Electoral Commission and relevant stakeholders should devise innovative strategies to enhance voter education, leveraging digital platforms, community engagement initiatives and collaborative efforts to increase awareness and participation in future DLEs.

The Chronicle reiterates the fundamental importance of active citizen engagement in all levels of democratic processes. It is imperative that Ghanaians recognise the significance of local governance and the impact of their participation in shaping their communities.

As we reflect on the recent low turnout in the District Level Elections, let us collectively commit ourselves to fostering a culture of civic responsibility, ensuring robust participation in future local elections and reaffirming the cornerstone of democracy – the power of the people.

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