Electoral Reforms and Democratic Consolidation in Ghana: An Analysis of the Role of the Electoral Commission in the Fourth Republic (1992-2016)

Abstract

The holdings of periodic free and fair elections have become a key step to consolidating democracies around the world. This calls for an effective means of addressing election-related issues and building strong election management bodies that have the ability to ensure the involvement of various stakeholders in the entire process. The acceptance or otherwise of election results, especially in developing countries where elections usually end in unnecessary conflicts, make electoral reforms very important. The paper reviews some of the key issues that have characterized Ghanaian elections under the Fourth Republic and throws some light on some reforms that have been carried out by the country’s electoral commission to ensure that the country’s efforts at consolidating her democracy becomes a reality. The paper does so by examining policy documents and reports on the subject under consideration. The paper found that while the EC plays a key role in electoral reform, its efforts may not yield the necessary results if it does not partner with the key stakeholders. The paper further shows that holding transparent and credible elections is a critical component of the democratization process which enhances the legitimacy of the government and also increases trust between the government and its people if the necessary reforms are undertaken in line with the aspirations of the people.