Thursday, February 7, 2008

Short history of elections in Ghana

Formed from the merger of the British colony of the Gold Coast and the Togoland trust territory, Ghana in 1957 became the first sub-Saharan country in colonial Africa to gain its independence under the leadership of Dr Kwame Nkurmah . Its democratic process was several times disrupted by high number of coups . In 1981, Lt. Jerry Rawlings took over power and banned political parties. Ironically Rawlings restores the country to multiparty politics in 1992 with a new constitution. He went on to win 1992 and 1996 elections under that NDC party but as per the constitution he could not run for a third term in year 2000. The leader of the then opposition NPP party John Kuffuor won year 2000 and 2004 elections. As per the constitution, John Kuffor can not stand for elections again in year 2008.
Apart from the national elections for the post of head of state and president, there is going to be legislative elections to elect 230 members of parliament.
The year 2008 election is going exciting, interesting and closely fought one.

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