Exploring Factors Responsible for Electoral Violence in Ghana’s Fourth Republic: A Study of Ayawaso West Constituency Since 1992

Abstract

This study explored the factors that explained electoral violence in Ghana’s Fourth Republic. Electoral violence has become a canker in Ghana due its recurrence. It happens at almost every constituency across the country. This study used Ayawaso West Constituency as the study area or geographical setting because the constituency has since 1992 experienced chequered period of electoral violence. Specifically, the study sought to ascertain the nature of electoral violence in the Ayawaso West Constituency, causes of electoral violence, the role of the police in preventing or curbing electoral violence and repercussions of electoral violence in the constituency. Quantitative research method was adopted and the target population were the constituents with knowledge on history of electoral violence in the constituency. Purposive sampling was employed in selecting the respondents. Questionnaire was used to elicit information from the respondents. The study reveals that the causes of electoral violence in Ayawaso West Constituency are poverty and socio economic uncertainty of losing power. The violence in the constituency starts from the registration process to the main elections. The violence takes the form of verbal intimidation, physical assault, exchange of insults etc. The study recommends that the youths in the constituency should be provided with jobs, winner takes all system should be abolished and also the police force should be neutral and impartial.