Reviewing the Electoral Processes in Ghana: Elections and the Voting Behaviour of Ghanaians in Perspective

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Date

2009-02

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Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Journal of Communications, Media & Society

Abstract

This work focuses on the 'voting behaviour of Ghanaians and elections in Ghana. 'It is worthy of note that the world over, particularly in democratic nations, elections are held periodically to either change the incumbent government or retained it. Most of the time, when elections are seen to be unduly manipulated to the advantage of a particular party or candidate, then the people become disillusioned in the electoral process. This study explores the rationale behind the voting behaviour of Ghanaians. Specifically, the study seeks to unearth the ethics or principles i. e. (voting behaviour) in general, on one hand, and the Ghanaians conception of elections With special emphasis on the preadolescent. Consequently, the study looks at the correlation between a Ghanaian's voting behaviour and participatory democracy. Using the descriptive approach in general and the triangulation method involving quantitative and qualitative analysis. The study concludes that the voting behaviour of Ghanaians is informed by paternalism, partisanship or neo-patrimonialism. Finally, the work sets standard or criteria for the selection of both presidential and parliamentary candidates.

Description

Research Article

Keywords

Ghana, voting behaviour, electoral process, Paternalism, Partisanship, Neo-patrimonialism

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