When Democracy Turns Violent: The Need for Urgent Electoral Reform in Ghana

By JoJoe BUCKNOR BAFFOE 12onlineNEWS | Monday, July 14, 2025

 The Convention People's Party (CPP) has added its voice to the growing public outrage over the recent violent scenes that marred the Ablekuma North Constituency Parliamentary Elections. In a strongly worded press release dated Sunday, July 13, 2025, the CPP condemned the thuggery and lawlessness that disrupted the electoral process, an act they say undermines Ghana's hard-won democratic reputation.

The party described the violence as an “impudence, contempt, and wanton disregard for law and order,” calling attention to the brutal assault on innocent Ghanaians and journalists who were merely fulfilling their civic duties. For many, it brought back haunting memories of the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election violence in 2019, another dark day in Ghana’s democratic journey.

Democracy is often hailed as the beacon of hope for governance by the people, but when its very machinery—elections—becomes a theatre for violence, fear, and death, the nation risks sliding into democratic decay. The recent events in Ablekuma North remind us that electoral malpractice and violent suppression are not just isolated incidents but deep-rooted systemic failures that need urgent redress.

The CPP was blunt in its assessment: Ghana’s democracy cannot thrive under the shadow of a malfunctioning electoral and security architecture. The party criticized the Ghana Police Service for failing to maintain order and protect lives during the electoral process, calling for reforms in police crowd control methods and strict enforcement of the Vigilantism and Related Offences Act, 2019 (Act 999).

The Convention People’s Party is not merely pointing fingers; it is offering a bold vision for electoral transformation. As the party positions itself as a credible alternative ahead of the 2032 general elections, it has pledged to make far-reaching changes to Ghana’s electoral system if given the mandate.

The CPP promises to:
- Overhaul the security arrangements around elections by instituting an independent Electoral Security Taskforce free from political interference.
- Reinforce voter education and civic engagement to reduce voter manipulation and ensure a truly informed electorate.
- Digitize and decentralize the electoral process using transparent, blockchain-based voting technologies to eliminate ballot stuffing and tampering.
- Prosecute all perpetrators of electoral violence, past and present, to serve as a deterrent for future offenders.
- Establish a National Electoral Reform Commission, comprising civil society, traditional authorities, religious groups, and political parties, to make electoral processes more inclusive and accountable.

CPP Chairperson and Leader, Comrade Wing Commander Patrick Nelson Sogbodjor, urged all political stakeholders to revisit Dr. Kwame Nkrumah’s doctrine of Positive Action, rooted in nonviolence and disciplined political engagement. According to him, the path to power must not be paved with blood and fear, but with integrity and unity.

Despite the chaos, the CPP praised the Ghanaian people for maintaining composure and offering constructive criticism. “Ghana is all we have,” the statement read, “and together we shall rise in unity, irrespective of our political colours.”

As Ghana inches closer to yet another election cycle, the events of Ablekuma North should serve as a cautionary tale. The nation must decide: Will democracy continue to be threatened by violent actors and institutional weaknesses, or will bold reforms finally place power safely in the hands of the people?

If the CPP has its way, come 2032, Ghana’s electoral future may look very different—one that is free, fair, peaceful, and truly democratic.

Forward Ever! Backward Never!