The governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) is optimistic of gaining support from more Ghanaians heading into the 2020 polls in spite of an Afrobarometer report, which revealed that only 34 per cent of the electorate will endorse the party if elections were held today.
The survey further showed that more than four in 10 Ghanaians aren’t taking sides yet in a presidential race if elections were held now.
The results show that those sitting on the fence out number respondents who say they will vote for the NDC or NPP.
When asked in September-October 2019 how they would vote if a presidential election were held “tomorrow,” more Ghanaians said they would not vote or didn’t know or wouldn’t say how they would vote than declared for the governing NPP or the biggest opposition National Democratic Party (NDC).
Among respondents who declared a preference, the NPP maintained a lead over the NDC, though its lead has shrunk by 15 points compared to survey responses in 2017.
Without a clear understanding of undeclared voters, it is impossible to draw solid conclusions about a likely election outcome.
Reacting to the report, the Communications Director of the NPP, Mr Yaw Buaben Asamoa, told Citi FM on Monday :” So the people who are waiting are people who going forward will definitely decide.
“Because 34 per cent voting for the NPP and 22 per cent for the NDC, I think it’s a healthy gap already because as more people begin to realise that their expectations are coming gradually on stream, these numbers for the NPP will build-up,” he stated.
However, the NDC believes the findings of the survey is proof that Ghanaians have rejected the governing party due to unfulfilled promises.
“The 15 per cent drop is 15 per cent of the people who voted for the NPP and now feel disappointed. They feel deceived, and misled by the Akufo-Addo government and for that matter, they are unwilling to vote for them,” A Deputy General Secretary of the NDC, Peter Boamah Otokunor, observed.