Political Scientist at the University of Ghana, Dr Kwame Asah-Asante, says the position of candidates on the ballot paper in the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) balloting ahead of the upcoming presidential primary will not determine who wins the contest.
Speaking on the AM Show on JoyNews ahead of the party’s balloting exercise, Friday, October 10, Dr Asah-Asante said while candidates often get excited about their positions on the ballot, such placements have little influence on the outcome of elections.
“It is business as usual. During balloting, you will see the excitement people want to be in the top position and all that. But they don’t mean much. Wherever one is placed doesn’t matter. It depends on the candidate, your message, your strategy, and your resources. Those are what help you to mobilise the support you need to emerge victorious.”
He explained that history has shown that ballot positions have little bearing on electoral outcomes. “We have seen people who were placed last and still emerged top,” he said.
“People come up with all manner of justifications to claim that their position is the best, but does it win you the contest? No. It’s a whole lot of other factors that influence victory, so it doesn’t really matter.”
Dr Asah-Asante added that while some candidates may use their ballot position as a marketing tool, it does not reflect voters’ true priorities.
“For marketing purposes, you can shout that you are number one and that everyone agrees with you, but is that the case?” he asked.
“If that is what determines the outcome, then we are in difficulty. It would mean voters are not considering real issues but rather superficial things that do not affect their lives.”
He said that what truly matters in any internal or national election is how a candidate organises their campaign, manages resources, and delivers a message that connects with voters.
“The real story is out there how you organise yourself, how you marshal resources, how you campaign, and which message resonates with the people who will elect you. That is the crux of the matter,” Dr Asah-Asante said.
Meanwhile, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) will today, Friday, October 10, conduct the balloting for its upcoming presidential primary, scheduled for January 31, 2026. The exercise will take place at the party’s national headquarters at Asylum Down in Accra.
Five aspirants have been cleared to contest in the race: former Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Ken Ohene Agyapong, Dr Bryan Acheampong, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, and Ing. Kwabena Agyei Agyepong.
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