The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) has once again predicted victory for the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) ahead of the December 2020 general elections.
Findings by the business intelligence unit show that although the ongoing process of selecting parliamentary candidates represents a test of cohesion for the two main political parties, NPP will retain power as the party is seen as a better custodian of the economy than the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
This is not the first time that the EIU has tipped the NPP to secure re-election in 2020 polls. The same prediction was made in December 2019.
However, in the latest report issued on Thursday, April 23, 2020, the EIU maintained that despite the challenges brought on by the Coronavirus pandemic, it is almost impossible for the NDC to recapture power from the ruling party.
It, however, indicated that, if the NDC can present a coherent opposition and hold the NPP to account for unfulfilled campaign promises such as faster progress on infrastructure development, the election could be ‘closely contested’.
“In the upcoming presidential poll, the incumbent, Nana Akufo-Addo, will face a challenge from John
Mahama who was elected leader of the NDC in February 2019. The campaign for the 2016 election was dominated by public concerns over a faltering economy, which many Ghanaians still associate with Mr. Mahama. Ahead of this election, the NPP has focused on infrastructure development (such as improving internet and electricity access, as well as roads, in rural areas) and outlined ambitious growth plans for cash-crop yields, which would bolster rural incomes.”
“Despite the uncertainties posed by the pandemic, the Economist Intelligence Unit believes that it will be difficult for the NDC under Mr. Mahama to portray itself as the better custodian of Ghana’s economy. We, therefore, expect Mr. Akufo-Addo and the NPP to secure re-election. However, if the NDC can present a coherent challenge and hold the NPP to account on its unfulfilled campaign promises—such as faster progress on infrastructure
development—the elections could be closely contested,” the EIU further pointed out.
Nana Akufo-Addo in the 2016 elections, beat then-President John Mahama by polling 5,716,026 million votes, representing 53.85%, while John Mahama polled 4,713,277 million votes representing 44.40%, the worse so far for an incumbent President.
