We need to change this date!
Earlier this week, the almost forgotten sound of a Christmas carol floating in the vicinity of my house reminded me that for many people this year’s Christmas season has been nearly eclipsed by Election 2016.
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It also called to mind that there is need for the Electoral Commission to revisit the move to change the December 7 general election date, except that my proposed month is different.
In July, an attempt to change the election date from December 7 to November 7 failed in Parliament because, according to media reports, the two/thirds majority of Members of Parliament needed to give legal backing to the constitutional amendment could not be achieved.
The Bill was to amend Article 112 of the Constitution to give constitutional backing to the change of date. The amendment sought to make the first Monday of November of an election year the date for the general election. A November election would allow more time for a smooth transition, it was explained.
However, a secret ballot taken after the motion moved by Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Mrs Marietta Brew Appiah-Oppong, produced 125 in favour and 95 against. Going by the number of those who voted, the number needed was 184, the reports said.
Although the general election happens only every four years, it’s evidently extremely stressful for both candidates and the rest of the population to have to contend with the pressures of the Christmas and year-end activities, as well as those of elections. The electoral tension dampens the traditional excitement of the festive season which most of us look forward to, including even non-Christians.
I suppose that one reason for the choice of a Monday for the elections was to enable people to travel to their constituencies over the preceding weekend of the election. However, as indicated, I have a different view about the proposed month. Instead of November, why not make it October?
Why does it have to be November? Knowledgeable sources have told me that in fact the election date can be changed to any month after September to meet the requirement of ushering a new administration into office on January 7.
If the election takes place in October that would give everybody much more time to recover from the anxiety of a general election and for political leaders to organise well ahead of the January 7 changeover, should that be the case. All of us would then be assured of one less stress before the Christmas and year-end activities.
Incidentally, Election 2016 has been, I think, more nerve-racking than previous elections – or is it just my imagination?
Doubtless, the outcome of the historic 2013 Election Petition reinforced the saying that ‘elections are won at the polling station’ and also cemented the determination of all candidates not to leave anything to chance. Perhaps that accounted for the unprecedented energy demonstrated by all the 2016 candidates and the political parties.
(The Election Petition was filed by the opposition New Patriotic Party against the declaration by the Electoral Commission of candidate John Mahama as winner of the 2012 presidential election.)
The numerous campaign songs, jingles and advertisements, complemented by the frenzy with which the political party leaders trekked around the country was the stuff of legends. Then there was the phenomenal number of projects President Mahama commissioned ahead of the elections, some at night. In future historians and researchers who will study this period in Ghana’s politics will have a lot to engage them!
Who would have thought that the fierceness of the contest between the two main parties, the ruling National Democratic Congress and the main opposition Party, the New Patriotic Party, would extend to adorning trees and shrubs with their party colours from top to base?
We have been used to party flags flying on vehicles and decorating walls, on T-shirts and other clothing, but when even trees are bedecked in political party colours, then you know that it’s serious business!
And now that the general election is over, I’m wondering what happens to the thousands of cedis worth of fabric used to rope in the defenceless trees. But probably the people always on the lookout for such ‘freebies’ won’t let the materials go waste! Don’t be surprised to come across some garishly-dressed people around town from now on.
Now on a serious note, on electoral matters beyond our borders, probably many people are still in some disbelief over what can be termed the Gambian ‘earthquake’ last week. Furthermore, who would have thought that Yahya Jammeh tasting his first electoral defeat in a terror rule of 22 years, would not only concede defeat, but also sound so conciliatory to the opposition coalition led by now President-elect Mr Adama Barrow!
No doubt the full story of what happened in that country will be told later but, in the meantime, I feel that I must share what I have learned from a source very knowledgeable about the Gambian situation:
Jammeh did not concede defeat out of a change of heart. First some patriotic soldiers went to protect the head of the Independent Election Commission of The Gambia, Alieu Momar Njie, during the counting and against Jammeh’s threats on his life. This accounts for the delay in announcing the results.
Mr Njie also phoned the US Ambassador, who in turn called President Buhari of Nigeria, former President Obasanjo and former UN Secretary-General, Mr Kofi Annan. There is speculation that other diplomatic missions were also involved in the intervention to get Jammeh to accept defeat.
Given Jammeh’s history, I’m surprised that he even listened to the West African and other leaders. The wonder is that he is now reportedly talking peace, acting the graceful loser, as if he has no problem with being ousted! But we will know all later!
Anyway, plenty of food there for thought. Also surely another remarkable episode for the attention of recorders of West Africa’s recent political history.
