Politics of 2026-08-12

Political parties must evolve beyond 'election machines' – Asiedu Nketiah

The National Chairman of Ghana’s National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, has called on political parties across Africa to transform from mere “election machines” into strong institutions capable of formulating policies and providing effective oversight of governments.

He made the call at the 2026 Goodluck Jonathan Foundation (GJF) Democracy Dialogue, which brought together political leaders, scholars and democracy advocates from across the continent.

The dialogue was held under the theme: “Beyond Elections: Can Political Parties and the Judiciary Save African Democracy?”

Asiedu Nketiah argued that political parties must play a more meaningful role in strengthening democratic governance instead of becoming active only during election periods.

“We must move away from political parties being merely election machines. They must do more. They must be the incubators of sound public policy and act as rigorous checks on the excesses of government,” he said.

According to him, the excessive focus on winning elections, without sufficient attention to ideology, policy development and long-term national objectives, has contributed to the fragility of some African democracies.

He noted that political parties must develop practical solutions to challenges such as poverty, inequality and institutional weaknesses, while maintaining a sustained commitment to democratic governance beyond election cycles.

The NDC Chairman also stressed the importance of strong political parties in maintaining effective checks and balances within democratic systems.

He urged parties in government to remain accountable to the people and opposition parties to provide constructive scrutiny rather than resorting to unprincipled political divisions.

The 2026 GJF Democracy Dialogue, championed by former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, focused on some of the structural challenges confronting democratic governance across Africa.

The forum also examined the role of political parties and the judiciary as key institutions in protecting democracy, particularly at a time when concerns over declining public trust, authoritarian tendencies and constitutional manipulation continue to emerge in parts of the continent.

Asiedu Nketiah’s contribution highlighted the need for internal reforms within political parties and a broader understanding of their responsibilities in democratic societies.

He maintained that regular elections alone are not sufficient to guarantee strong democratic governance, stressing the need for political parties to embrace greater accountability, policy development and institutional responsibility.

The dialogue ultimately underscored the importance of strengthening Africa’s democratic institutions and ensuring that political parties serve not only as vehicles for electoral victories but also as institutions that contribute meaningfully to national development and democratic consolidation.