Elections should be a time for sober reflection

"The hottest places in hell are reserved for those who maintain neutrality in times of great moral crises." —Dante Alighieri

This article is an updated version of one I wrote before the 2008 presidential and parliamentary elections. I believe the concerns expressed then remain just as relevant today. Our nation will again elect a new set of leaders in a few weeks. Dante Alighieri’s words from the 13th century remind us that this is not a time for indifference or passivity.

Every generation is judged by the legacy it leaves for future ones. This is an open letter to politicians and citizens with a stake in the country's future. I hope it prompts all of us to reflect seriously on our responsibility.

The chance to choose new leadership is something to celebrate, provided we recognize it as a moment for thoughtful engagement, not for sowing chaos, confusion, or unrest. These adverse outcomes are not inevitable side effects of an election. We’ve had peaceful elections before, and with careful words and measured actions, especially during the tense post-election period, we can do so again. This should be a time of quiet reflection, not empty bravado.

Some may already seem convinced that even before the first vote is cast, one party or another will attempt to manipulate the process. Others draw unfortunate comparisons to the violence in Zimbabwe and Kenya after their elections, predicting a similar outcome for Ghana.

Such dire expectations may not only be unfounded but dangerous. Political parties have every right to expect a free and fair election, and winners and losers benefit when the process is legitimate. A fair contest lends greater credibility to the victor and provides a sense of fairness for the defeated.

The Power of Expectations

We are free to have expectations about the future, but the nature of those expectations matters. Psychologists describe the "self-fulfilling prophecy," where our beliefs shape our behavior, often leading to the outcomes we anticipate. If we expect chaos, we may, consciously or unconsciously, begin to act in ways that invite it.

This cycle must be broken. We should believe in Ghana’s maturity and stability, resisting the temptation to draw parallels with other nations. Instead, we must maintain a mindset that anticipates peace and a fair process. Here are a few suggestions for the nation and its people as we head into this crucial period.

Elections: Only One Person/Party Can Win Political parties must accept that, in any election, there can only be one winner. A victory does not necessarily imply foul play; sometimes, a fair contest ends in defeat. Similarly, previous victories don’t guarantee future ones. Winning and losing are natural parts of any competition.

I understand that cheating can occur, but that is why we have mechanisms in place. For example, in refereed sports, we might disagree with specific calls but have channels for appeals and complaints. The same principle applies to elections. We have rules and procedures to follow if someone feels wronged.

Resorting to unilateral action, whether during or after voting, undermines the very fabric of our democratic process. When accusations of cheating are backed by proof, the world will listen, and those who cheated will lose their moral authority.

I may not know all the candidates, but I’ve heard many of them speak. They seem like reasonable people; more importantly, they all seem intent on improving the lives of Ghanaians, even if their visions for doing so differ.

If they mean what they say, they must stress to their supporters that violence has no place in achieving victory. Only one person can win, and losing is not the end. Another opportunity always lies ahead. The first test for our leaders is how firmly they reject violence as a path to power.

“Die-Hard” Supporters: Who and What Are You Dying For?

The term "die-hard supporter" is not new to me. My cousin used it years ago to describe his passion for the Accra Hearts of Oak. I saw him risk his safety to watch a match, climbing a tree outside the El Wak stadium for a better view. His dedication to the team was impressive, if a bit reckless.

This kind of loyalty can be dangerous when passion for something crosses into fanaticism. While solid convictions can be a virtue, pursuing them through harmful means turns a noble cause into a destructive one.

History shows that ordinary people often bear the brunt of political violence. Those who pick up weapons will likely return home, scraping out a living if they survive the mayhem.

My message is simple: think carefully before resorting to violence. Those you claim to fight for are unlikely to join you on the front lines. After the election, most of us will carry on with our everyday lives, regardless of who wins.

If you engage in violence, you’re not doing it for your family or your country. You’re doing it for yourself and perhaps for leaders who might flee to safety if things go wrong.

Civil Society, Traditional Leaders, and the Rest of Us

Civil society groups are crucial in guiding the nation through this period. Elections are a time for renewal, whether it’s a change in leadership or continuity under a new mandate. Traditional leaders, respected voices in our communities, should continue to speak out for peace. For those living abroad, remind your family and friends in Ghana to remain peaceful.

The Press: Be Responsible

The press in Ghana enjoys significant freedom, and with that comes responsibility. The proliferation of FM stations brings both opportunities and risks. The Rwanda genocide showed how dangerous unchecked media can be. If unsure of what to say, it's better to remain silent than to stoke tensions. Newspapers and radio stations must not become tools for those who seek to incite violence. They must verify facts, avoid sensationalism, and uphold the public’s trust. Don’t hide in a basement somewhere to stoke violence.

In Conclusion

On a personal note, my grandmother, who lived through the German and English colonial and at least two post-independence administrations, would find that much of my village has stayed the same. The village's clinic, built through manual labor, is still standing, barely different from when it was built.

People still fetch water from the stream, which is much smaller now. The school’s roof has faded, with far fewer pupils now than in the past. Yes, there’s electricity now, sometimes.

Life will return to normal the day after the election, with farms waiting to be tended, goods ready to be taken to the market or on street corners, or even dangerously weaving through vehicles to sell. “Man must chop,” they say in Ghana.

Well, we have families to feed. No politician will bring us manna. Let’s not lose sight of what truly matters in the frenzy of election season.