Exploring Factors that Influence Ghanaians Parliamentary Voter Choice and Behavior in Ghana: A Case of Electorates in the Klottey Korle Constituency in the 2016 Parliamentary Elections

Abstract

Elections are held to appoint people into office. However, the outcomes of these elections need to be determined. This study examined the factors that influence the voter’s behavior and choice in an election specifically in the Klottey Korle Constituency. This study also made use of peer reviewed articles and with the help of the purposive sampling technique, selected empirical literatures to help research the factors that influence these voter choices and behaviors. Previous research by scholars and existing empirical literature show that there are factors that determine the voter’s choice on elections in America; however, studies on elections in third world areas are scanty of which Ghana is no exception. Studies of elections in Ghana, include one on voter behavior in perspective and other explored the public perceptions of members of parliament. The overall objective of the study was to get the views on how the roles and responsibilities of Members of Parliament (MPs) were perceived by Ghanaians with individuals aged 18 years and above selected in three (3) stages from across the then 10 regions of the country. Findings revealed that voter’s choice is influenced more factors than is originally perceived. It concludes that voter’s choice is informed by sociological, psychological and economic factors. It recommends that members of Parliament should consider all these factors and endeavour to explore further beyond what has already been documented.