GOV • SHS 1Term 2WAEC / WASSCE SyllabusVIP Lesson
The Electoral Process & Electoral Administration
Franchise and suffrage, direct vs. indirect elections, types of electoral systems (First-Past-The-Post vs. Proportional Representation), and the Electoral Commission.
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Real-World Context & Relevance in Ghana
Ghana's 2008 and 2000 presidential elections required a second-round runoff because no candidate gained the required 50% + 1 in the first round.
Key Syllabus Learning Objectives
- 1Explain the concept of Universal Adult Suffrage and qualifications for voting in Ghana
- 2Compare the First-Past-The-Post system with the Absolute Majority and Proportional systems
- 3Analyze the constitutional mandate, powers, and independence of the Electoral Commission of Ghana
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Comprehensive Syllabus Study Notes
• Franchise / Suffrage: The legal right to vote in political elections. Universal Adult Suffrage: Every citizen who reaches the legal voting age (18 years in Ghana) has the right to vote regardless of gender, race, or income.
• Electoral Systems:
- First-Past-The-Post / Plurality System: The candidate who receives the highest number of votes in a single-member constituency wins, even if without absolute majority (used for Ghana's parliamentary elections). Simple and produces decisive outcomes, but can produce disproportional representation.
- Absolute Majority System: Winning candidate must secure more than 50% of total valid votes cast (50% + 1) (used for Ghana's Presidential election; triggers a runoff if not met).
- Proportional Representation: Seats in the legislature are allocated to parties in direct proportion to the percentage of total votes they win nationwide.
• Electoral Commission of Ghana:
- Independent body established under Article 43 of the 1992 Constitution. Functions: Compiling and revising voters' register, demarcating constituency boundaries, conducting public elections and referenda, and declaring results.
- Franchise / Suffrage: The legal right to vote in political elections. Universal Adult Suffrage: Every citizen who reaches the legal voting age (18 years in Ghana) has the right to vote regardless of gender, race, or income.
- Electoral Systems:
- First-Past-The-Post / Plurality System: The candidate who receives the highest number of votes in a single-member constituency wins, even if without absolute majority (used for Ghana's parliamentary elections). Simple and produces decisive outcomes, but can produce disproportional representation.
- Absolute Majority System: Winning candidate must secure more than 50% of total valid votes cast (50% + 1) (used for Ghana's Presidential election; triggers a runoff if not met).
- Proportional Representation: Seats in the legislature are allocated to parties in direct proportion to the percentage of total votes they win nationwide.
- Electoral Commission of Ghana:
- Independent body established under Article 43 of the 1992 Constitution. Functions: Compiling and revising voters' register, demarcating constituency boundaries, conducting public elections and referenda, and declaring results.
Practical Example:
Ghana's 2008 and 2000 presidential elections required a second-round runoff because no candidate gained the required 50% + 1 in the first round.
Core Takeaway:
In Ghana: Parliamentary elections use Simple Plurality (First-Past-The-Post); Presidential elections require an Absolute Majority (50% + 1 vote).
WAEC / WASSCE Examiner Tips
- In Ghana: Parliamentary elections use Simple Plurality (First-Past-The-Post); Presidential elections require an Absolute Majority (50% + 1 vote).
Common Candidate Pitfalls & Errors to Avoid
- Confusing the franchise with the ballot paper.
- Calling proportional representation a system that guarantees every party a seat.
- Saying first-past-the-post needs 50 per cent of votes in a constituency.
- Dating the Electoral Commission to independence instead of the 1992 Constitution.
- Reporting turnout against registered voters when the question asks the voting-age base.
Topic Mastery Checklist
- Explain the concept of Universal Adult Suffrage and qualifications for voting in Ghana
- Compare the First-Past-The-Post system with the Absolute Majority and Proportional systems
- Analyze the constitutional mandate, powers, and independence of the Electoral Commission of Ghana
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