Open primaries may smash grip of cash politics – Osae-Kwapong – Life Pulse Daily

Introduction

In a recent interview on Joy News’ PM Express, Dr John Osae-Kwapong, a Fellow at the Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), argued that opening political party primaries to all registered members could significantly reduce the influence of cash in Ghana’s internal party elections. His remarks come amid growing concerns about vote-buying and the entrenched role of money in shaping electoral outcomes within political parties.

Dr Osae-Kwapong supports the recommendation of Ghana’s Constitutional Review Committee to adopt open primaries, where all registered members in good standing can vote. He believes this reform would make it harder for candidates to manipulate results through financial inducements, a common practice in the current delegate-based system.

This article explores the potential impact of open primaries on cash politics, the challenges of implementing such reforms, and what this means for the future of democratic governance in Ghana.

Key Points

Background

The Current Delegate System

Ghana’s political parties currently use a delegate-based system to select candidates for public office. In this model, only a limited number of elected or appointed delegates from each constituency participate in party primaries. These delegates are responsible for choosing the party’s candidate who will represent them in general elections.

While this system is intended to ensure that only committed and active members influence candidate selection, it has been widely criticized for enabling vote-buying and elite capture. With a small electorate, it becomes easier and more cost-effective for wealthy aspirants to influence outcomes through financial incentives.

The Rise of Cash Politics

Cash politics refers to the use of money to influence political decisions and electoral outcomes. In Ghana, this phenomenon is particularly visible during party primaries, where reports of vote-buying, gift-giving, and financial inducements are common.

Dr Osae-Kwapong notes that despite public outrage over such practices, the internal dynamics of party politics have remained largely unchanged. The delegate system, he argues, creates an environment where money can easily sway decisions, undermining the principles of fair and democratic candidate selection.

The Constitutional Review Committee’s Recommendations

In response to concerns about internal party democracy, the Constitutional Review Committee recommended the adoption of open primaries. This reform would allow all registered members of a political party in good standing to participate in primary elections, rather than limiting voting rights to a select group of delegates.

The committee argued that open primaries would promote greater inclusivity, reduce the influence of money, and strengthen the legitimacy of party candidates.

Analysis

Why Open Primaries Could Reduce Cash Politics

Dr Osae-Kwapong explains that the fundamental issue with the delegate system is its small electorate. When only a few hundred delegates vote in a constituency, it becomes feasible for a candidate to influence the outcome through financial means. In contrast, open primaries would expand the electorate to include thousands of registered members, making it significantly more difficult and expensive to buy votes.

“My argument has always been that if our concern is that a candidate can easily buy a number of delegates, then to make it harder to do that, if you have an open primary, it is more difficult to buy an entire constituency than it is to buy a group of delegates,” he said.

The Challenge of Party Resistance

Despite the potential benefits, Dr Osae-Kwapong expressed skepticism about the willingness of political parties to adopt open primaries. He noted that parties may resist reforms that reduce their control over candidate selection and challenge existing power structures.

“Now I’m not sure if the political parties would embrace that recommendation,” he said, highlighting the difficulty of implementing change from within the system.

The Broader Implications for Democracy

The debate over open primaries is part of a larger conversation about democratic reform in Ghana. Strengthening internal party democracy is essential for building public trust in political institutions and ensuring that elected officials are truly representative of their constituents.

Open primaries could also encourage greater citizen engagement in politics, as more people would have a direct role in selecting candidates. This, in turn, could lead to more accountable and responsive governance.

International Perspectives

Ghana is not alone in grappling with the challenges of internal party democracy. Many democracies around the world have experimented with different primary systems to balance inclusivity, efficiency, and party cohesion.

For example, in the United States, some states use open primaries where any registered voter can participate, while others use closed primaries limited to party members. Each system has its advantages and drawbacks, but the trend globally is toward greater openness and transparency in candidate selection.

Practical Advice

For Political Parties

Political parties in Ghana should consider the long-term benefits of adopting open primaries. While the transition may be challenging, it could enhance the legitimacy of party candidates and strengthen public trust in the political process. Parties could start by piloting open primaries in select constituencies to assess their impact and refine the process.

For Civil Society Organizations

Civil society organizations play a crucial role in advocating for democratic reforms. They should continue to raise awareness about the dangers of cash politics and the benefits of open primaries. Public education campaigns, research, and dialogue with political stakeholders can help build momentum for change.

For Citizens

Citizens can support efforts to reform internal party elections by demanding greater transparency and accountability from their parties. Joining a political party, participating in primaries, and holding leaders to account are practical ways to promote democratic values.

For Policymakers

Policymakers should prioritize electoral reforms that strengthen internal party democracy. This could include legislation to regulate political party financing, establish clear guidelines for primary elections, and ensure that party constitutions align with democratic principles.

FAQ

Conclusion

The debate over open primaries in Ghana reflects a broader struggle to strengthen democratic governance and reduce the influence of money in politics. While the current delegate system has enabled cash politics to thrive, open primaries offer a promising path toward greater inclusivity, transparency, and accountability.

Dr John Osae-Kwapong’s advocacy for open primaries highlights the need for bold reforms that prioritize the public interest over narrow political interests. While challenges remain, the potential benefits of open primaries—reduced cash politics, enhanced legitimacy, and greater citizen engagement—make this reform a critical step toward a more democratic Ghana.

As the country continues to grapple with issues of political financing and internal party democracy, the adoption of open primaries could serve as a catalyst for broader democratic renewal. The time for action is now.