On duty across Ghana, Commonwealth observers watched as the elections got off to a calm, peaceful and early start. Polling stations in most places observed by the group opened at 7am, with the people of Ghana casting their ballots for a president and members of parliament.
While observers have been deployed to 10 regions of Ghana, Chair of the Commonwealth Observer Group (COG), former President of Botswana, HE Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi is following the process from Accra. He was at the Accra Technical University polling station an hour before polls opened to observe pre-poll preparations and witnessed old and young people lining up to exercise their democratic right to vote.
Dr Masisi said:
“Ghana is a valued member of the Commonwealth and an important member of the international community. And that is why we are here to show our solidarity and support to its people, government and democratic processes.”
“So, we call on all stakeholders to remain calm and peaceful throughout the process, and we wish the people of Ghana well as they cast their ballots.”
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For this election, over 18 million Ghanaians have registered to vote at 40,976 polling stations across 275 constituencies in the 16 regions of the country. Over 10 million of the voters are young people between the ages of 18-35.
Commonwealth Observer Group member Kim Allen, a former Chairperson of the Commonwealth Youth Council, deployed to Ghana’s Sekondi-Takoradi region. had a message for Ghana’s younger voters. He said:
“You bring a unique blend of new perspectives, innovative ideas, and a deep passion for creating a better future for Ghana. Your participation in this election is crucial. I urge you to exercise your right to vote peacefully and I wish all the young people of Ghana the very best as they shape the future of their country.”
Ghana uses a simple plurality electoral system for both presidential and parliamentary elections. There are 12 presidential candidates and 801 parliamentary candidates.
In presidential elections, the candidate who receives at least 50 per cent of valid votes plus one vote wins the presidency. If no candidate reaches this threshold, a runoff election is held.
For parliamentary elections, 276 Members of Parliament are elected for four-year terms from single-member constituencies. The candidate with the most valid votes in a constituency wins. In the event of a tie, a runoff election is also held.
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The 16-member Commonwealth team have been in the country since 28 November, receiving briefings from government agencies, political parties, the media, civil society groups, international agencies, and representatives from the diplomatic corps. These briefing helps the observers to gain a comprehensive understanding of the context in which the elections are being held. Two days before polling, they were deployed to ten regions of Ghana, where they met local stakeholders and viewed pre-poll arrangements.
They will issue their findings in a preliminary report on 9 December 2024.
Media contact
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Temitope Kalejaiye, Public Relations and Engagement Officer, Commonwealth Secretariat
- M: +233548134343 | Email
