the presidential elections which took place on December 7, has been feverishly opposed throughout Ghana. Even before the election it was clear that there is a head-to-head race would be two major parties - namely, the incumbent party, the NPP (New Patriotic Party) and the opposition, the NDC (National Democratic Congress). The NDC was once ever in power, but that was some years ago.
for both parties was run a large advertising hype. The streets were hung huge election posters that seemed beside the shabby stalls rather pretentious and out of place. At least once a day, a van drove through the city, its loading area was full of NPP supporters. Equipped with trumpets and drums, they were shouting through the streets and have been heard from afar. From time to time we also saw equipped with large megaphones, jeeps, which should convince the people with election slogans. In the larger cities, there were still huge added mass events, which were of course supported with a lot of loud music. Of these great events, I am absent for security reasons. On television, there was much about it but to see the commercials as the various parties. In addition to regular commercials, there was also a music video, which was a bit strange. In Germany, you are in life never rapping leader (Angela Merkel) to present. The lack of talent would be one thing, but generally it would make them seem completely untrustworthy. Well, but here is Ghana ...
to the election itself: the public authorities were very tense and ready for anything. Some teams of international observers were on site. If this election without excesses come to an end, for all of West Africa, Ghana would be a great role model. Of the embassies and the Foreign Office were still extremely currencies. Our volunteer organization, has advised us on the day of the election not to leave the house to provide ourselves with the necessary food and not even once with the Neighbors to speak. When the day finally came, the city was deserted. I left, despite the (probably exaggerated warnings) the house and went with another volunteer colleague to a nearby polling station to observe the action. Of course we are not blind started walking, but since you already knew at the time that there were no major incidents, we went out and even have to take some pictures. The polling station was guarded by a (well-built) female police officer and four or five staff members were responsible for the correct procedures. Unfortunately, most people were already very early in the morning was when dialing, so we could actually took place not observed, namely there was no more. The cop was so nice and told us and how the individual steps of the electoral process went from Amsterdam. Actually, the system is no different than in Germany, but to prevent that someone is cheating, and possibly twice, and selected, you have his little finger in a black liquid (most likely ink) plug, which turns the nail for at least a week dark . Officials such as firefighters or police officers had two days earlier chosen because they had the actual election day on call.
were on the third day after the election finally announce the final figures. The result was, as predicted, very close - unfortunately so scarce that there was no clear majority for either party. This meant in turn that on 28 December had to be elected again. Many people were very disappointed, but it remained quiet. Also very disappointed that there was no result, my host mother. Even in the time before the election, people bought a less material in their business because they feared for their money, which would be after a change of government, possibly less value. As had extended the period of "uncertainty" with the 2nd choice now, they could not normally benefit from the upcoming holiday season. During the period up to 28 December, one of the elections barely spoken. In radio and television while still running the commercials, but we did speak with excitement to the air.
On December 28 we were not Swedru (home town) as we drove through New Year's Eve at a beach resort (see blog entry "New Year"). There you have only occasionally heard anything from people who came from outside. One concern, however, had a radio, so we asked again and again to the intermediate level. Even in this election, it seemed again very pleased to be very close. Against later it was learned that in northern Ghana in a village, the polling stations were attacked and sabotaged the ballot boxes and stolen. For this reason, then be re-elected, but to Fortunately, only in the said village. The new date was 2 January. As is already in front of it turned out, the NDC was minimal front, and even if everyone had voted in the village for the NPP, the projection would not have been obtained. NDC won the runoff election with 50.23% final. Both parties have subsequently accused each other of voter intimidation. "According to the Electoral Commission but there was not enough evidence of manipulation in order to declare the election invalid. Another told me that there was a coup attempt on the part of NPPs, by disseminating bogus numbers. For details, but I could not learn. Now, at least the whole election fever back around and we are excited about what the NDC will honor their promise ...
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