Elections

The conduct of successful elections is the cornerstone of multiparty democracy. In pursuit of its objective to promote democracy in Ghana, The IEA has therefore engaged in and will continue to engage in a range of initiatives focussed on ensuring that elections in Ghana are undertaken in a transparent environment of non-violence and mutual respect.

The following provides an indication of the types of activities that The IEA has undertaken in the past. This page will provide information on The IEA’s planned activities for the 2012 Election in due course. 

Presidential and Vice Presidential Debates

The IEA has organised debates between Presidential candidates in the lead-up to the 2000, 2004 and 2008 election.  In 2008 the first Vice-Presidential Debate was held.

In contrast with the Evening Encounter series (see below), by bringing all leading Presidential and Vice-Presidential candidates together, the debates seek to diffuse electoral tensions and instead promote a calm debate on policies and ideas. 

The 2008 debates were a great success. In addition to being the first time a Vice-Presidential debate was held, 2008 was the first time that all candidates of all political parties represented in the Parliament participated.
By all accounts, the Debates were successful in helping to lower the political temperature and reduce tension, contributing to the peaceful nature of the 2008 Presidential and Parliamentary elections. Notably, at the end of the second Debate the Presidential Candidates held hands and made a verbal and symbolic pledge for peace before, during and after the election.

The IEA will soon be publishing an overview of the debates as well as transcripts of each of the debates. Please check the ‘Publications’ section for details.

Evening Encounters

For the 2008 Elections, The IEA initiated the Evening Encounter programme. The programme provides a platform for Presidential candidates to inform the electorate on their policies and to provide the electorate the opportunity to interact with and ask questions of the aspirants.

In the lead up to the 2008 Election, The IEA organised an Evening Encounter with all candidates of parties with Parliamentary representation.

A record of each event will be published shortly on this website. Please check the ‘Publications’ section for details.

Election Monitoring

The IEA has monitored the conduct of a number of elections in Ghana, most recently in 2008. The objective of election monitoring is to contribute to the peaceful, transparent and effective conduct of Ghana’s national elections. Previously The IEA has monitored a range of aspects of elections including political party campaigning, media coverage, electoral processes, the election day and the declaration of results.

Peace Broadcasts

To reduce the political temperature in the lead up to elections, The IEA has previously arranged for groups to broadcast messages of peace, harmony, unity and goodwill to their members.

In the lead up to the 2008 Election, peace broadcasts were given by leaders of political parties, representatives of the National and Regional House of Chiefs, prominent Paramount Chiefs, leaders of religious bodies, women and youth representatives of the political parties and other opinion leaders.

Town Hall Meetings

Town hall meetings provide an opportunity for Parliamentary candidates to come face-to-face with their prospective constituency to explain their parties’ as well as their individual policies and programmes. Taking the form of a moderated debate, the Town Hall Meetings are designed to better enable the constituency electorate make informed choices on the most suitable candidates.

Voter Education Programme

To complement the work of the Electoral Commission, the National Commission for Civic Education and the Commission for Human Rights and Administrative Justice, The IEA has previously been involved in heightening voter awareness and preparing the electorate adequately for successful elections.

In the lead up to the 2008 Election, The IEA was involved in educating voters in a range of constituencies on the voter registration process, on issues and on the mechanics of how to vote.