Civil society group Election Watch Ghana has underscored the influence of religion in shaping politics in Ghana though describing that as “complex”.
It highlighted a recent study that anticipates a peaceful and incident-free by-election in the Ayawaso East Constituency on Tuesday, March 3.
It said the run-up to the by-election has been without the usual campaigns and, most importantly, vote buying of electorates.
“The study attributes this positive development to the influence of religion, which can promote moral values and peaceful coexistence,” Election Watch Ghana said in a press release on Monday, March 2.
“The Ramadan fasting period has created a conducive environment for voters to focus on the true meaning of the election, rather than being swayed by inducements or divisive rhetoric.”
It, however, observed that the influence of religion on politics can be complex with implications for voter behavior and electoral outcomes.
“Given that all the candidates are Muslims and observing Ramadan, considering their age and health condition, and with over 92% of the voters expected to fast if physically able, the study anticipates a notably disciplined process this time.”
The Ayawaso East by-election was occasioned by the death of Member of Parliament (MP) Mahama Naser Toure on Sunday, January 4.
While the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) settled on its candidate by consensus, the primaries by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) raised concerns due to widespread cases of vote buying.
A probe by a three-member committee found all the aspirants engaged in the cancer.
Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria Baba Jamal Mohammed Ahmed emerged victorious.