2024 polls: Voters choice of preferred candidate based on honesty, character & campaign promises – Afrobarometer survey

As Ghana prepares for general elections in December 7, 2024, Ghanaians choice of selecting a good candidate for both the Presidential and Parliamentary are based on honesty, character, and campaign promises, according to the latest Afrobarometer survey

These top 3 factors stands out as the best way for the selection of candidates to take over the next democratic governance in the country.

According to the report, most Ghanaians prioritise a candidate’s honesty, followed by those who value the candidate’s character and their campaign promises.

The report further said, majority of Ghanaians plan to vote for both presidential and parliamentary candidates from the same political party.

In contrast, a small portion are likely to split their votes between different parties, with even fewer considering independent candidates.

Despite concerns about reported political violence, most Ghanaians report having little or no fear of political intimidation or violence during the 2020 campaign period.

But, the overall Ghanaians continue to view elections as the best method for selecting their leaders.

These are the key findings from the report:
▪ A candidate’s honesty (90%), character (88%), and campaign promises (59%) are the
three major factors that Ghanaians say will influence their choices in the December 2024 general elections.

▪ A majority (58%) of Ghanaians say they will vote for presidential and parliamentary candidates from the same political party. Only 15% say they will vote for presidential
and parliamentary candidates from different political parties, while 6% say they will vote for independent presidential and parliamentary candidates.

▪ More than eight in 10 Ghanaians (85%) indicate they had little or no fear of falling victim to political intimidation or violence during campaigns in the last general
election, while 14% say they feared it “somewhat” or “a lot”.

▪ Most Ghanaians (81%) consider elections the best way to choose their leaders.

Support for elections has consistently exceeded 80% for the past two decades.

Source: CDD-Ghana