This makes absolute sense. Had such a system been in place, Nana and his NPP party wouldn't have been making so much noise.
Can Mahama be kind enough to help Nana and the NPP pay the massive campaign debt staring at their ... read full comment
This makes absolute sense. Had such a system been in place, Nana and his NPP party wouldn't have been making so much noise.
Can Mahama be kind enough to help Nana and the NPP pay the massive campaign debt staring at their face?
Vincent Bawe 11 years ago
The main reason why Nana and Jake are doing these things is trying to find money somewhere (or better still force their way to get to the presidency) to defray that gargantuan loan they obtained for their electoral campaign w ... read full comment
The main reason why Nana and Jake are doing these things is trying to find money somewhere (or better still force their way to get to the presidency) to defray that gargantuan loan they obtained for their electoral campaign which has become a gargantuan burden on them. Their hope was placed on coming to loot our country again( now oil) to defray their cost.Our God is really a leaving God.
Alugu 11 years ago
My understanding of this article is that the party that wins majority in parliament wins the presidency. That is not how it works in the USA. The party that wins that popular votes of a State wins the Electoral College votes ... read full comment
My understanding of this article is that the party that wins majority in parliament wins the presidency. That is not how it works in the USA. The party that wins that popular votes of a State wins the Electoral College votes of that State. Let's say in the Brong Ahafo Region where NPP won 13 parliamentary votes and NDC won 16, if If the popular presidential votes for NPP were more than that of NDC, NPP would take all 29 Electoral college votes. That is how Obama won but majority in Congress are Republicans.
Jato Julor (J.J.) Rawlings 11 years ago
Ghana is not operating a federal form of govt, so the call for an electoral college is absolute bull.
The U.S. operates a federal form of govt, hence the electoral college rule to enhance the accountability in determining ... read full comment
Ghana is not operating a federal form of govt, so the call for an electoral college is absolute bull.
The U.S. operates a federal form of govt, hence the electoral college rule to enhance the accountability in determining the popularity of the president.
Olga 11 years ago
That was rightly said in that ariclte. A couple of weeks ago, I read an ariclte in the New York times that made Ghana look like a big farm and a country that had been the good guy on the block because there was more stabili ... read full comment
That was rightly said in that ariclte. A couple of weeks ago, I read an ariclte in the New York times that made Ghana look like a big farm and a country that had been the good guy on the block because there was more stability there than around her neighbouring countries. If you haven't been to Ghana before and you see that ariclte, the first impression you will have is that Ghana is a farm cos the only thing the journalist had to talk about business related, was how one farmer was seeking to make more money through exports this year and how he might not have to carry his products over a longer distance to get them exported because he can afford a tractor as soon as his exports yield some more dollars this time around as if there is fair trade around the system these days. As if the rest of the world doesn't dictate how much they want to buy our gold and cocoa for and then they, thesame people will step back and say, yoh we don't understabd Africa, they have all the raw products but they are still poor Who makes Africa poor when she is not lazy? Who makes Africa poor when she is giving her best? Who? Who makes Africa poor?Let's talk about that farmer again. If there were no harbours, if there were no prudent and hardworking business men, if there was no stock exchange, how will his products be bargained for? How will his goods be exported to Europe? How will he spend or use the money in cedis?Please, please, please, let's not talk of the war in Africa. If you wish to, then let's talk of it. Who makes the guns? Who produces the bombs? Who funds the terrorists? Don't point at Africans because our industries (And we are going to begin that industrial revolution soon; well it has begun) don't make guns, we don't make bombs and atomic whateva's. The last time I saw my African brothers and sisters, all I remember were smiles, goodwill, hospitality and determination brimming in eyes that wont sink till the fires have burnt. The personality of Africans contradicts what I see in the news. Of course, I know there is much more going on that what I see in the news but the question I keep asking myself is, what makes these angels that I know so well act like devils that I do not know. Just like some people appealed to the greed in men and used all means to lure them to sell their brothers away from their continent amidst threats of war and starvation etc.once again men are being lured to kill their brothers in silent wars and quiet genocides. We will live long enough to tell the story and if God wills, we live long enough to wake Mama Africa from her sleep which she didn't put herself to. Africa will wake up, my Africa will wake up. Mother Africa, will wake up again.
Ahmed 11 years ago
The reason why the palopur vote doesn't count is for three reasons.1. The framers of the Constitution were terrified of the average voter and this is when only landed men could vote. Imagine how they would have felt abo ... read full comment
The reason why the palopur vote doesn't count is for three reasons.1. The framers of the Constitution were terrified of the average voter and this is when only landed men could vote. Imagine how they would have felt about women, wage slaves and minorities voting. The electoral college was seen as a way to buffer any populist revolution.2. The framers of the Constitution were also pretty freaked over the concept of political parties. Supposedly the electoral college was one of the ways to prevent their institution. Nice to see that worked out well we only really have two we have to worry about 3. Why would you want government operated out in the open where anyone could see what is going on? That's just crazy talk.
tegare 11 years ago
no no no, elecoral college system is undemocratic. the americans know it.
no no no, elecoral college system is undemocratic. the americans know it.
tegare 11 years ago
a better political system must be one that concentrates power inthe hands of masses. a system whereby politicians can be recalled on tthe instant, a system where politicians dont become demigods, a system which doesnt polaris ... read full comment
a better political system must be one that concentrates power inthe hands of masses. a system whereby politicians can be recalled on tthe instant, a system where politicians dont become demigods, a system which doesnt polarise the people, a system where everyday decisions are made by the people....
Ross 11 years ago
When Bush won democrats hated the idea and vise versa.
It's insane.
Simple majority is the best.
When Bush won democrats hated the idea and vise versa.
It's insane.
Simple majority is the best.
The Stallion 11 years ago
Our aim is to kill the tribal virus that has infested the bone-marrow of the average Ghanaian.
Simple majority, like you said, makes the minority to team up to destroy the tribalistic "majority."
Let them increase and mul ... read full comment
Our aim is to kill the tribal virus that has infested the bone-marrow of the average Ghanaian.
Simple majority, like you said, makes the minority to team up to destroy the tribalistic "majority."
Let them increase and multiply as they wish; we will come together and crush them, despite their number!
Alex London 11 years ago
Ellectoral College. do you remember what happened in Florida When Bush won and Democrats wanted to court but later did not.It only humans who makes an election systems fair or not and not the system itself.
Ellectoral College. do you remember what happened in Florida When Bush won and Democrats wanted to court but later did not.It only humans who makes an election systems fair or not and not the system itself.
Yaw Afriyie, New York 11 years ago
Interesting thought. The electoral college system is inherently undemocratic. Presidential elections are normally national and popular vote contests - one man one vote. The electtoral college system dilutes that and makes s ... read full comment
Interesting thought. The electoral college system is inherently undemocratic. Presidential elections are normally national and popular vote contests - one man one vote. The electtoral college system dilutes that and makes some votes count more than others. For instance one could win the popular vote nationally but lose the elections.(Ref. BUSH V GORE)
With all that said should the electoral college be introduced in Ghana, the NPP should kiss the Presidency good bye. That Party (NPP) is by and large a regional party while the NDC has shown that it could compete nationally.
UNITED GHANA 11 years ago
True. It's the best and fairest,as an individual's vote, unlike the EC system,is not assigned to someone they didn't vote for. Anyway, which ever system you look at, JM won fair and square
True. It's the best and fairest,as an individual's vote, unlike the EC system,is not assigned to someone they didn't vote for. Anyway, which ever system you look at, JM won fair and square
John,Tema 11 years ago
I don't think the current electoral system has a problem,what is disturbing us is illiteracy and lack of trust.
I don't think the current electoral system has a problem,what is disturbing us is illiteracy and lack of trust.
Alex London 11 years ago
Dear Kabzot- Tembil thank you for your contribution to our national debate. You are so blessed to live in Botswana, the least corrupt country in Africa. How did you people manage it?
Dear Kabzot- Tembil thank you for your contribution to our national debate. You are so blessed to live in Botswana, the least corrupt country in Africa. How did you people manage it?
Abeeku Mensah 11 years ago
The electoral college concept presupposes Ghana is going through this growing pains because there are wise men and women left in Ghana's educated and political elite class.
Politics in Ghana, and I dare say all of Africa, is ... read full comment
The electoral college concept presupposes Ghana is going through this growing pains because there are wise men and women left in Ghana's educated and political elite class.
Politics in Ghana, and I dare say all of Africa, is about the one in a million chance of politicians getting their filthy hands on national money they can steal, plunder, and abuse without jail time. In South Africa the white majority did it and now we have the ANC doing it and getting away with it while the majority blacks still live in filth. This picture is painted all over Africa.
In Ghana, the one and only way even those claiming to be successful businessmen and or businesswomen get their start and or continue to make money and it’s through the Ghana government. Ghana does not manufacture anything worth talking about; we export natural and mineral resources on the cheap while these simple-minded so-called business men and women import finished goods and consumable to sell at inflated prices for profit. It is government agencies and corrupt political contacts that grant these import licenses to these people and when the goods arrive at the ports, crooks and bribery prone officials look the other way so requisite fees are avoided by these self-proclaimed businessmen and women. The mighty Kennedy Agyapong got a contract via the government of Ghana to supply electricity corp. of Ghana with electrical cables. You think he and or his company can tell you the difference between low voltage cables and high voltage cables? He did get the contract worth millions of dollars because of his seat in parliament and a system that favors corrupt Ghanaians.
Introduce the electoral college concept all you want in Ghana and those elected official at the regional college level will sell their vote for money. Ghana is corrupt and no amount of implanted foreign system will save us but God.
KOJO MENSAH 11 years ago
NONSENSE ELECTTORAL COLLEGE VOTE SYSTEM. AMERICA NEVER USED THAT SILLY BIOMETRIC THING WHY GHANA? lET'S THINK LIKE HUMAN BEINGS AND FORGET ABOUT AMERICA THIS AMERICA THAT.
NONSENSE ELECTTORAL COLLEGE VOTE SYSTEM. AMERICA NEVER USED THAT SILLY BIOMETRIC THING WHY GHANA? lET'S THINK LIKE HUMAN BEINGS AND FORGET ABOUT AMERICA THIS AMERICA THAT.
Gordon 11 years ago
My Brother, Ghana is not like America. So long as there will be Vote counting somewhere along the line, there will be argument. AL GORE concedered honourably to Goerge Walker Bush due to extreme nationalism to avoid America b ... read full comment
My Brother, Ghana is not like America. So long as there will be Vote counting somewhere along the line, there will be argument. AL GORE concedered honourably to Goerge Walker Bush due to extreme nationalism to avoid America being associated with vote fraud and rigging to disgrace their country. We may give it a trial.Ghana is too small, like one state in the USA.
Nana Ama 11 years ago
I think that idea is great it save's time and everything
I think that idea is great it save's time and everything
Osei Yao 11 years ago
SILLY COPY-CATS LIKE YOU HAVE CREATED ALL THE PROBLEMS IN GHANA. YOU ARE ALWAYS READY TO COPY WHAT IS PRACTISE IN ITHER COUNTRIES TO GHANA WITHOUT REFERENCE TO THE SPECIAL CONDITIONS IN OUR COUNTRY.WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE CURR ... read full comment
SILLY COPY-CATS LIKE YOU HAVE CREATED ALL THE PROBLEMS IN GHANA. YOU ARE ALWAYS READY TO COPY WHAT IS PRACTISE IN ITHER COUNTRIES TO GHANA WITHOUT REFERENCE TO THE SPECIAL CONDITIONS IN OUR COUNTRY.WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE CURRET SYSTEM? IT FAILED FOR THE SAME REASON -ADOPTED WITHOUT DUE CONSIDERATION OF OUR CIRCUMSTANCES.
Henny 11 years ago
None can doubt the veracity of this artilce.
None can doubt the veracity of this artilce.
phtfktti 11 years ago
NbF0vh hmosbzlezman
NbF0vh hmosbzlezman
Paul Amuna 11 years ago
I disagree With the suggestion. The popular vote leading to 50+1% is a far better and more epresentative system. It means that in every constituency and region, every candidate has a SHARE OF THE VOTE instead of a WINNER TAKE ... read full comment
I disagree With the suggestion. The popular vote leading to 50+1% is a far better and more epresentative system. It means that in every constituency and region, every candidate has a SHARE OF THE VOTE instead of a WINNER TAKES ALL which is what the electoral college system gives. May be in an established federal system that might work e.g. In the US but even there they don't find it most satisfactory. I would rather Ghana did not go down that route.
Kwadwo Sannah 11 years ago
This proposition won't work in Ghana as it stands now. This is simply because the number of constituencies in Ghana do not take into account the population of the country. There's no logical basis for the number of constituen ... read full comment
This proposition won't work in Ghana as it stands now. This is simply because the number of constituencies in Ghana do not take into account the population of the country. There's no logical basis for the number of constituencies. In the US and Australia, for example, constituencies have almost an equal number of voters. In Australia, the average number of voters in a constituency is 80,000. But look at Ghana. A constituency in Accra and Kumasi some constituencies have about 1000,000 voters while in parts of the country an MP can be elected with less than 10,000 votes. Unless all constituencies have almost an equal number of voters, this system will not work.
If the system was fair and equitable, there would have been almost an equal number of MPs for both the NDC and NPP considering the fact that they had an almost equal number of votes in the presidential stakes. The NDC had more MPs because constituencies in the NDC strongholds could elect an MP with 6,000 votes while most NPP MPs in, say, Bantama or Ablekuma were elected with sometimes 80,000 votes.
So while your suggestion is OK, equitable distribution of parliamentary seats are needed before it will work.
I have made this suggestion at various forums since 1992, including at the 2007 Graphic political forum but I believe politicians see it as too hard.
This makes absolute sense. Had such a system been in place, Nana and his NPP party wouldn't have been making so much noise.
Can Mahama be kind enough to help Nana and the NPP pay the massive campaign debt staring at their ...
read full comment
The main reason why Nana and Jake are doing these things is trying to find money somewhere (or better still force their way to get to the presidency) to defray that gargantuan loan they obtained for their electoral campaign w ...
read full comment
My understanding of this article is that the party that wins majority in parliament wins the presidency. That is not how it works in the USA. The party that wins that popular votes of a State wins the Electoral College votes ...
read full comment
Ghana is not operating a federal form of govt, so the call for an electoral college is absolute bull.
The U.S. operates a federal form of govt, hence the electoral college rule to enhance the accountability in determining ...
read full comment
That was rightly said in that ariclte. A couple of weeks ago, I read an ariclte in the New York times that made Ghana look like a big farm and a country that had been the good guy on the block because there was more stabili ...
read full comment
The reason why the palopur vote doesn't count is for three reasons.1. The framers of the Constitution were terrified of the average voter and this is when only landed men could vote. Imagine how they would have felt abo ...
read full comment
no no no, elecoral college system is undemocratic. the americans know it.
a better political system must be one that concentrates power inthe hands of masses. a system whereby politicians can be recalled on tthe instant, a system where politicians dont become demigods, a system which doesnt polaris ...
read full comment
When Bush won democrats hated the idea and vise versa.
It's insane.
Simple majority is the best.
Our aim is to kill the tribal virus that has infested the bone-marrow of the average Ghanaian.
Simple majority, like you said, makes the minority to team up to destroy the tribalistic "majority."
Let them increase and mul ...
read full comment
Ellectoral College. do you remember what happened in Florida When Bush won and Democrats wanted to court but later did not.It only humans who makes an election systems fair or not and not the system itself.
Interesting thought. The electoral college system is inherently undemocratic. Presidential elections are normally national and popular vote contests - one man one vote. The electtoral college system dilutes that and makes s ...
read full comment
True. It's the best and fairest,as an individual's vote, unlike the EC system,is not assigned to someone they didn't vote for. Anyway, which ever system you look at, JM won fair and square
I don't think the current electoral system has a problem,what is disturbing us is illiteracy and lack of trust.
Dear Kabzot- Tembil thank you for your contribution to our national debate. You are so blessed to live in Botswana, the least corrupt country in Africa. How did you people manage it?
The electoral college concept presupposes Ghana is going through this growing pains because there are wise men and women left in Ghana's educated and political elite class.
Politics in Ghana, and I dare say all of Africa, is ...
read full comment
NONSENSE ELECTTORAL COLLEGE VOTE SYSTEM. AMERICA NEVER USED THAT SILLY BIOMETRIC THING WHY GHANA? lET'S THINK LIKE HUMAN BEINGS AND FORGET ABOUT AMERICA THIS AMERICA THAT.
My Brother, Ghana is not like America. So long as there will be Vote counting somewhere along the line, there will be argument. AL GORE concedered honourably to Goerge Walker Bush due to extreme nationalism to avoid America b ...
read full comment
I think that idea is great it save's time and everything
SILLY COPY-CATS LIKE YOU HAVE CREATED ALL THE PROBLEMS IN GHANA. YOU ARE ALWAYS READY TO COPY WHAT IS PRACTISE IN ITHER COUNTRIES TO GHANA WITHOUT REFERENCE TO THE SPECIAL CONDITIONS IN OUR COUNTRY.WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE CURR ...
read full comment
None can doubt the veracity of this artilce.
NbF0vh hmosbzlezman
I disagree With the suggestion. The popular vote leading to 50+1% is a far better and more epresentative system. It means that in every constituency and region, every candidate has a SHARE OF THE VOTE instead of a WINNER TAKE ...
read full comment
This proposition won't work in Ghana as it stands now. This is simply because the number of constituencies in Ghana do not take into account the population of the country. There's no logical basis for the number of constituen ...
read full comment