Looking Beyond Talensi-Bye Election: Would 2016 Be Any Different?

We have come a long way as a nation. If history is anything to go by, the checkered contours (coup d'états)this nation has traversed since independence, should have been “experiential enough” to engender the widest political consensus in our electoral process. Unfortunately, the “Ghanaian political culture”, and the key actors who frame the context within which these ideals are espoused, seems not to be guided by history.

Even though most of us were young at the time these coups occurred, we have not been immuned from the fall-out of these events. There are ongoing economic, political-and even-social consequences our societies are still paying, as a result of these checkered experiences in our national life. While some of these issues may be debatable-and to some people trivial-the healing process we started since “Reconciliation” in the early 2000, should not be seen as an event. But, as an ongoing process, that needs continuous re-energising, to drum home the need for level-headedness in our political discourse.

Violence in the Talensi Bye-Election
When the Talensi seat was declared vacant; after all the shenanigans that came prior to declaration, the “peace-loving” Ghanaian was hoping that, this will indeed mark a positive beginning. Being the key election to be organised after all the “pink-sheet” conundrum at the Supreme Court, we expected a violence-free election. However, “being what they are”, all that is left as a reminder to the Ghanaian, is the violence members of “some” key political parties have perpetuated.

While most political commentators were hoping the Talensi Bye-Election was going to serve as a dress rehearsal for a peaceful 2016 General Elections, the optimists were proved wrong once again. Everything that unfolded at Talensi, in turn exposed how “fragile” and acrimonious our electoral processes are increasingly becoming.To the extent that, “the Ghanaian” is now openly ready to pull a machete-not to talk of guns-tells you how unconscionable and morally bankrupt our society is becoming. Where havethe “Ghanaianess” and our genuine fellow-feeling gone to? Are we really ready to pay the cost of electoral violence? There are numerous unpalatable examples and experiences that should guide us. For the sakes of the next generation, we do not need political parties that think, it is okay to win power, irrespective of the means.

The “Winner Takes All” Conundrum

Winning an election in a developing country like ours, has become the “ultimate ticket” to “wealthdom”. While public office is synonymous to “service to the people” in some jurisdictions, the perception it generates in our part of the world is the opportunity to be served by the people. The “unlimited” access to scarce socio-economic resources that become available to our public-office holders when they win elections, makes it so enticing that, people are willing to risk their lives. After all, there is a lot of literature to show that, corruption among public-officers holders in Africa, is one of the major obstacles to the continent’s development. We know of African leaders and their cronies who have appeared on Forbes’ rich list because of their ascension to public office.

Of course, while we all have our personal aspirations in the “road to life”; it is important that we separate such personal parochial aspirations from the need to serve our people. Despite all the talk about the need for personal fulfillments and success, our societies still celebrate people with integrity and credibility. This reminds me of David Brooks; and his book “The Road to Success”. A lot of people are so focused on their “resume virtues” to the extent that, “eulogy virtues” do not mean anything to them anymore. What our leaders need to remember is that, the niceties would be told in your presence. Can same be said in your absence?

These are the more reasons why we need to eschew acts of thuggery and violence in our electoral and political processes. Politics is all about “who gets what, and at what time”. The means through which these “who and what” are achieved is what differentiate these political parties.Instead of breaking bridges, the political parties and their leaders should try to create a framework for reaching consensus. All Ghanaians ask of them is the opportunity to lead a life of happiness. But when we make elections, and ascension to public-office as the road-to-riches for “an only few”, then it will always be antagonistic.

“Trigger-happy”Political Communication

While I am a huge admirer of the way political communication is gaining traction in our democratisation process, I must admit that, the “rhetoric” from some of these party communicators reflects what we have witnessed in Talensi. The political communication atmosphere has become so diffused to the extent that, issues that revolve around the well-being (Nokofio) of the Ghanaian is trivialised and made peripheral. Instead, “cheap partisan point scoring”, equalisation and the use of “high-flying and sounding” words have become the norm.Sometimes it makes you wonder, whether all the beautiful things we read in political party manifestoes are really, and genuinely meant to be followed through. Our parties have the best ideas on paper, what remains is how to translate these ideas into practice.

We do not need political party communicators who think they can be rewarded by their “pay masters” by acting “dirty and disrespectful”, even to people who can easily pass for their parents. What these communicators forget is that, with the backing of their political party they may look alright. But, when the time comes for them to be judged as individuals-in the eyes of Ghanaians-that is where the burden then becomes a huge in. It is noble to act with the greatest sense of discipline and integrity; so that generations after you would eulogise you for the virtues you have demonstrated in your prime. Regardless of the support base you have today, your actions and inactions would come to stare you right in the face one day.

Going into 2016 General Elections
As we prepare eagerly towards the 2016 general elections, we need to consistently remind ourselves that, the road to credible elections is demanding and daunting. The road to 2016 elections would be a huge test to the “supposedly” peaceful nature and outlook of the Ghanaian.The building of the widest political consensus should be a matter of urgency, if we really want to organise a successful general election.

The fall-out from the Talensi Bye-Election, and the commentaries that have emerged thereof, tells me the key actors in our electoral and the wider governance processes need to act fast. Or else, what lay in waiting for the people of Ghana, may be even more serious than what other countries have experienced. I am however, very hopeful that, with the necessary circumspection and the infrastructures available for potential free and fair elections,Ghanaians would be more willing and determined, to explore all legitimate means of resolving their electoral differences. After all, we can only be “GREAT AND STRONG”, when we are united.

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