Accra: Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs Minister Ahmed Ibrahim has described the Supreme Court's ruling abolishing the delegate system of voting within political parties as 'constitutionally right but socially discriminatory.'
According to Ghana News Agency, the decision promotes equality by allowing all registered members in good standing to vote in internal party elections. However, the Minister expressed concerns that it risks creating fertile ground for minority ethnic groups within constituencies to lose representation in Parliament. He noted that democracy in Ghana often sees delegates voting for their tribesmen and women. Therefore, when a politician from a minority tribe competes against another from a majority ethnic group, there is a high likelihood that the majority candidate will prevail.
The Minister, who is also the ruling and the majority National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament for the Banda Constituency, cautioned that the ruling could have both positive and negative implications for Ghana's democracy. While it expands participation and strengthens constitutional principles, it may also undermine inclusivity and representation for minority groups.
The Supreme Court, in a 5-2 majority decision, directed that all party members in good standing must be allowed to vote in electing leaders and parliamentary candidates, effectively replacing the long-standing delegate system with a 'one member, one vote' approach. The constitutional challenge was filed by Prof. Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, Dr. Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe, and Dr. Christine Amoako-Nuamah, who argued that restricting voting rights to a privileged few was inconsistent with democratic principles enshrined in the 1992 Constitution.
The Attorney-General's Department supported the challenge, emphasizing that political parties must reflect constitutional values of equality, participation, and universal suffrage. The ruling is expected to reshape the organisation of political parties and the conduct of future presidential, parliamentary, and executive primaries.