Dr. Rosina K. Foli, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Political Science at the University of Ghana, has proposed an amendment to the constitutional provision governing by-elections in order to reduce the tension and violence often associated with these elections. In an interview with the Daily Graphic, Dr. Foli suggested implementing a more nuanced framework that would allow political parties to replace Members of Parliament (MPs) whose seats become vacant after less than two years of a parliamentary session, without requiring competitive elections.
“We need to alleviate the tension surrounding by-elections. The proposed approach is based on the length of time a legislator has served in Parliament during a particular session. This could significantly reduce the violence often linked to by-elections,” the Political Science lecturer explained. Her proposal comes in response to the heightened tensions surrounding the impending Akwatia parliamentary by-election.
Reducing tension, violence
Dr Foli said the current system created a competitive urge in by-elections, where the outcome becomes a way of proving a point to the opponent, even when the win or loss does not significantly change the power dynamics on the floor of Parliament. She noted that this could lead to violence and tension, which could be reduced by allowing parties to select replacements for Members of Parliament (MPs) who have spent less than two years in Parliament during a particular session. By adopting this proposal, she said the country could reduce the tension and violence associated with by-elections and promote a more peaceful and inclusive electoral process.
Nuanced approach
Dr Foli said in situation in which the deceased MP has spent less than two years the parties could develop internal mechanisms to select a replacement, with transparent and inclusive processes, and reduced or eliminated filing fees. In other circumstances, where the deceased MP has been in Parliament for more than two years, a competitive electoral process could be held, with proactive civic education and engagement with constituents to promote a violence-free election.
Civic education
Dr Foli emphasised the importance of civic education and engagement in promoting a violence-free election. She suggested involving multiple civil society bodies, traditional authorities, and elderly statesmen in the process of educating citizens on the need for a violence-free election. The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) should also run an active campaign against negative information, fake news, and misinformation.
Source: Samuel Duodu
