The Role Of Electoral Commissions In Promoting Democratic Governance In Africa: The Case Of Ghana, 1992 – 2016

ABSTRACT 1992 marked the dawn of liberal democratic governance in Ghana that made it possible for liberties such as having political stability and freedom from arbitrary detention and arrest to be enjoyed without creating any constitutional crises. The activities and role of the Electoral Commission of Ghana have been very indispensable in this regard to Ghana‟s democracy. This study seeks to examine the role of Ghana‟s Electoral Commission in promoting its democratic governance in the Fourth Republic. This study was based on relevant literature and empirical study undertaken by the researcher. The study found that the Commission has received tremendous support from institutions such as the judiciary, the media and civil society organizations in complementing and carrying out its mandate. It was also realized that it has not been all rosy for the Commission as it is faced with issues of funding and stiff opposition from political parties in implementing some of its reforms. However, the constitutional institutions saddled with the conduct of elections and the security agencies conducted themselves very well and helped resolve problems to the satisfaction of all. This study concludes that, activities of the Commission have led to increased citizen participation, high acceptance of election results, building inter-party understanding, and ensuring continuity and legitimacy to political actors. Thus, strengthening and contributing positively to Ghana‟s democratic governance. The Commission has also won a lot of international praise and become a benchmark for a lot of countries on the African continent. The study recommends a move to the proportional electoral system from the majoritarian system that Ghana currently exercises, adopt an improved technology for printing ballots and voter registration as well as producing a national bio-data of citizens to improve the voter register. It also advocates for an enhanced collaborative service with stakeholders and wane itself from donor support.