Is the NPP Losing the Election?

"And in this battle for the voter's mind, there seems to be no limits. So there is mischief, panic mongering and mudslinging in equal measure. But believe me, it is a lot of fun."

Television viewing these days is a spectacle of fun as the politicians serenade us with a barrage of mischievous ads meant to outwit and manoeuvre each other.

For once, there is something for everyone to smile about on local television. And in this battle for the voter's mind, there seems to be no limits. So there is fun galore, mischief and mudslinging too, in equal measure.

The real battle, however, is between Mahama and Bawumia and the intensity is vividly screeching to a new crescendo with Election Day only a touching distance away.

The old soldier, John Mahama, appears too composed for a man desirous of the presidency. This could be down to over- confidence and what his advisors are whispering into his ears.

Although quite persuasive, his renditions are far from exhilarating. They are unenthusiastic, unelectrifying, unedifying, monosylabic and worryingly drab. He needs some verve.

Of course, the old soldier has seen it all before, and appears to be drawing from his experience, and the depressing living conditions of Ghanaians more than his own ability to get people to vote. His apparent lack of electricity could come back to haunt him. It is one thing to be persuasive, but it is another thing getting people to go out there to send the elephant back to the bush.

He might need to borrow a little charisma from the younger man to wake deep- sleeping voter's from their slumber. John Mahama appears to be gasping towards the finishing line, but his managers must douse him with stamina and a little mendacity.

He might want to go to Bawumia for some lessons in mendacity, for not all voters are persuaded by truth as seen and interpreted by John Dramani Mahama. The Mahama campaign lacks spirit. I can't say it enough!

Let's With dwell on Bawumia. With the little that is left of his voice, Bawumia, in spite of his youthfulness and vibrancy seems to be the most visibly tired of the two. He looks quite drowsy and spent.

In future, some of these campaign ads should be produced in the off season, so Ghanaians may have the best of Bawumia, not his tired, croaky cracky version. He needs his voice in tact to cross the line.

The NDC's portrait of Bawumia as a serial liar, excessive promiser and a talker rather than a doer seems to be injuring his brand.

His advisors may respond by painting Mahama with the same brush or even show clips of him as a doer, not just a blabbing hypnotic.

Dr. Bawumia's biggest salespoint is his youth and his fresh ideas. I dare say that his handlers have not cashed in on these major assets in a manner to pigeon hole the old soldier in any way. This is a major negative of his campaign, and they might live to regret it.

There was one add though, that got the old-soldier fumbling and mumbling. That's when he was asked whether he had accepted a bribe before. It was a killer question, and one that may be advanced to push the corruption tag on Mahama.

Unfortunately, with the plethora of misgovernance, corruption and sleazing taking place under the NPP, l would be surprised if any corruption tag on Mahama will hurt him today as it did 8 years ago.

Bawumia needs a miracle to win the election. John Mahama has built an identity of a nation builder that seems to suit his style and his promise.

Bawumia on the other hand, is too wordy. It is quite difficult to describe him in two words, given all that has been said about him. I am still scratching my head for an apt description of him.

Mr. digitalisation is odd. "Economic whizzkid," is odder, with the economy in dire straits. Leader? yes, but what kind of leader?

Free SHS.....that's original to Akufo-Addo. No duplication is possible. So what image or identity does the NPP want Ghanaians to have of their flagbearer?

The more l think about it, the harder it is for me to describe Bawumia in two words. What image of him jumps at me when l mention his name?

Talking of course! Some public lecture and some political rhetoric or soundbite. But is this enough to win an election? You tell me!