The recent Akwatia by-election in Ghana sparked a debate concerning the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) party’s participation, given their substantial majority in Parliament. Mustapha Gbande, Deputy General Secretary of the NDC and Deputy Director of Operations at the Presidency, firmly rejected suggestions that the party should have abstained from the contest. He argued that participating in all elections, regardless of their existing parliamentary strength, is a fundamental aspect of the NDC’s democratic responsibility. Gbande emphasized that the notion of having an “overstretched” majority or excessive numbers in Parliament is a flawed argument, deviating from the constitutional mandate of ensuring representation for all constituencies. He reiterated the NDC’s commitment to contesting future by-elections, irrespective of their current parliamentary dominance. Gbande further asserted the party’s desire to increase their seats, even expressing a wish to reach 190 seats, and vowed to continue vying for seats held by the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Gbande’s stance reflects a broader principle regarding the role of political parties in a democratic system. He argues that abstaining from elections simply due to a comfortable majority undermines the very essence of representative democracy. Every constituency, regardless of the dominant party, deserves the opportunity to choose their representative through a contested election. By participating in all elections, the NDC demonstrates its commitment to upholding this principle and ensuring that all voices are heard and all constituencies are actively engaged in the democratic process. This commitment, according to Gbande, is not contingent on the party’s current parliamentary strength but is rather a fundamental tenet of their political philosophy. It reinforces the idea that representation is an ongoing process and that the electorate should always have the opportunity to express their preferences through the ballot box.
Furthermore, Gbande highlighted the significance of the peaceful conduct of the Akwatia by-election under the NDC’s governance. He contrasted this with what he characterized as violent polls during the previous administration led by Nana Akufo-Addo of the NPP. This point underscores the NDC’s commitment to maintaining a peaceful and democratic electoral environment, further solidifying their argument for active participation in all elections. By contrasting their management of elections with that of the previous administration, Gbande attempts to portray the NDC as a responsible steward of the democratic process, committed to ensuring free, fair, and peaceful elections. This, in turn, strengthens their argument for continued participation, emphasizing that their presence contributes to the stability and integrity of the electoral system.
The debate concerning the NDC’s participation in the Akwatia by-election raises fundamental questions about the role of dominant political parties in a democratic system. While some might argue that abstaining from certain elections when holding a significant majority could facilitate broader political representation and avoid unnecessary expenditure, Gbande’s perspective highlights the importance of consistent engagement in the electoral process. He underscores the idea that a party’s duty to represent its constituents extends beyond simply holding a majority in Parliament and requires active participation in all elections. This perspective reinforces the notion that every election is an opportunity to reaffirm the democratic process and ensure that all voices are heard, irrespective of the prevailing political landscape.
Moreover, Gbande’s argument emphasizes the dynamic nature of political representation. While the NDC currently holds a substantial majority, this does not guarantee their continued dominance. By actively contesting all elections, the party remains engaged with the electorate, adapts to evolving political dynamics, and maintains its connection with the grassroots level. This continuous engagement allows them to better understand the concerns and priorities of the people, ensuring that their policies and actions remain relevant and responsive to the needs of the constituencies they represent. It also reinforces the principle that political power is not static and that continued engagement with the electorate is crucial for maintaining a healthy and vibrant democracy.
In conclusion, Gbande’s defense of the NDC’s participation in the Akwatia by-election articulates a fundamental principle of democratic governance: the importance of consistent engagement in the electoral process. He asserts that abstaining from elections simply due to a comfortable majority undermines the very foundation of representative democracy, denying constituencies the opportunity to choose their representatives and diminishing the overall vibrancy of the democratic process. Furthermore, by highlighting the peaceful conduct of the by-election under NDC governance, Gbande reinforces the party’s commitment to upholding the integrity of the electoral system and strengthens their argument for continued and active participation in all elections, regardless of their existing parliamentary strength. This stance emphasizes the dynamic nature of political representation and the importance of maintaining continuous engagement with the electorate to ensure a responsive and accountable government.
