Perceptions of free and fair elections in Amansie Central District

Abstract

The term free and fair election has now become a common phrase associated with the conduction of elections across the world. However, different interpretations are often given to free and fair elections which sometimes lead to misunderstanding among election stakeholders resulting in election conflicts. The study sought to assess the perceptions of the electorate on the extent to which the 2008 presidential and parliamentary elections were free and fair. A total of 156 respondents were used for the study. These comprised 100 electorate,made up of 10 respondents each from the Electoral Commission, media, political parties, security agencies, Amansie Central District Assembly and 6 traditional authority’s. Questionnaire and interview schedule were used to collect data from the respondents. In addition to this, simple random and purposive sampling techniques were used to select the respondents.The main findings of the study are that the electorate have bad perception of free and fair elections. Avoiding multiple registrations, not engaging in violence, not intimidating other voters, applying electoral regulations fairly are among the major roles played by election stakeholders to ensure free and fair elections in the 2008 national elections. Financial constraints and insufficient knowledge of the electorate on the electoral process are the two challenges affecting stakeholders in the promotion of free and fair elections at Amansie Central District. It is recommended that the government of Ghana, philanthropists and benevolent organizations should provide financial assistance to election stakeholders and the electorate should be educated on free and fair elections.