Discourage the “I will not vote in ELECTION 2024” chorus

We must discourage the “I will not vote in ELECTION 2024” chorus before it deters many Ghanaians from participating in the country’s most crucial decision-making and direction.

Election 2024 is on its way, but already statements such as “If you don’t vote, you can’t complain.” are the common responses that follow “I will not vote in December 2024” pronouncements by electorates as we get closer to the December elections.

I will abstain from voting on December 7th, 2024; it is crucial to dissuade the widespread sentiment among Ghanaians and bring it to the nation’s attention immediately. This means the NCCE and all other stakeholders have a huge responsibility. But come to think of it, have you found out why many qualified voters are saying, “I will not vote in December 2024”? Lack of real change is another reason people refuse to vote. People on Trotro buses ask, “What do I gain from finding a job for another person’s father?”

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Some people believe that politicians in our part of the world have made the importance and reasons why citizens must vote in the December 2024 elections meaningless.

The promise to fail, the promise to give excuses, and the promise to deceive the public have become so many that the general public has lost interest in taking part in elections.

Over the past 20 years of Ghana’s democratic and political history, politicians have failed to deliver on the tantalising promises that initially inspired citizens to vote. Yet, after elections, politicians have struggled to meet their own lofty standards, promises, and projections.

One of the annoying things they do is keep reminding the citizens of the bad system they inherited. Politicians elected must fix the mess they come to meet or walk out gracefully, because that is why we voted them into power.

Today, the ever-improving and more sophisticated Ghanaian electorate seems to have given up on the politicians of our time as those capable of transforming the fortunes of this nation as leaders.

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The lack of willpower devoid of political bias and favouritism has characterised every single decision of politicians in Ghana.

There is hardly a selfless politician in Ghana today; there is hardly a true son of the land in politics today. What do we see? greed, selfishness, self-seeking, and conflict of interest decisions from the rank and file in politics. How can the ordinary Ghanaian continue to spend countless hours on the sun to vote for self-seeking individuals? Politicians may sound and look like they care about ordinary people. Alas, do not be deceived.

Today, Ghanaians are complaining about the same old problems. Are they really better off? Or are they being unrealistic and ungrateful? Why do we continue to experience voter apathy and burnout?

Statements like…I will not vote this year, all politicians are the same, politicians do not think about us, we are suffering and things are hard.

Even when the well is dry, some still get water to drink. There is another section of Ghanaians who are die-hard supporters of various political parties and who continue to show unwavering allegiance to political parties and politicians because of the benefits they derive, which they may not deserve, but for the links they have. For such people, choosing not to vote is out of the question.

But the question is, how many are complaining and suffering because of their personal experiences with politicians?

Ghanaians who have the conviction that politicians have failed us will do Ghana a lot of good to still join the long winding queues on election day and have a say in the governance of this nation.

The biggest mistake will be to keep complaining for reasons best known to them and still refuse to vote to correct the wrong they think exists.

People often refrain from voting due to a lack of interest. Over the years, many Ghanaians have had their interest in general elections diminish. They feel

We need to improve our understanding of why we vote. Many voters do not even know we vote based on policies, not personalities. Some of those who lack interest in elections are in that state because they don’t know why we vote.

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This feeling of not wanting to vote may increase during the 2024 general elections until the populace receives enough political education and understands the importance of participating in decision-making through elections. Without the right political education, young people may not see the need to engage in politics or vote for the first time in 2024.

Violence and voter suppression, which take place in some polling stations on election days, can compel even those who want to vote to change their minds.

The violence during the Ayawaso Election forced many people to stay at home, fearing intimidation or harm even in subsequent elections.

Can we work to discourage the “I will not vote in ELECTION 2024” chorus?

Improper registration procedures and tactics by the ruling government or other enemies of the state can also influence voting trends and reduce people’s interest in the electoral process.

Personal choices resulting from intimidation by close associates, such as friends and family, can make people refuse to be part of the broader national decision-making process.

In all these situations, it’s crucial to avoid portraying those who have chosen not to vote negatively. Instead, we need to intensify education and address all relevant bottlenecks to make the process violence-free, easy, and worth participating in.

In Ghana, many people are looking for a third political force since the country has been shuffling the NDC and NPP cards for far too long. These two parties seem to have disappointed the Ghanaian electorate. Today, voters’ common music is that “the NDC and NPP are the same,” a third vibrant force that will ignite a lot of interest in Ghana’s elections. We should discourage statements like “If you don’t vote, you can’t complain.”

People yearn for attention and demand equitable representation. Let us stop bashing nonvoters, take deep breaths, and start a good and friendly conversation to make them see the need to vote. Will you join the “I will not vote” or the “We will vote group?” You know where you belong.

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We must all discourage the “I will not vote in ELECTION 2024” chorus before it deters many Ghanaians from participating in the 2024 election.

Source: ElectionsinGhana