Electoral Systems and Antagonism in Politics: A Case Study of Ghana
Edward Brenya
Lecturer, History and Political Studies Department, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana
Jennifer Aboagyewaah Asamoah
Teaching Assistant, History and Political Studies Department, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana
Hadi Azindow Alhassan
Teaching Assistant, History and Political Studies Department, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana
Keywords: Proportional representation, Electoral system, Winner-takes-all, Ghana, Political institutions, Democratic consolidation.
Abstract
Political pundits and civil society organizations have been making clarion calls for the adoption of proportional representation electoral process in Ghana so as to end the perceived antagonism in Ghana’s political system. Using a review of scholarly materials, this paper examines the feasibility of the proportional representation electoral system in Ghana. It argues that the most significant aspect of democratic consolidation and development is not entirely about the type of electoral system adopted but the strengthening of the institutions of state. Therefore, by strengthening the institutions of government, the much needed political goods will be delivered to the citizenry, which will go a long way to improve the democratic process and development of Ghana.