Delegates’ views on monetisation of primaries a comparative study of NDC and NPP parliamentary primaries in Yunyoo constituency.

Abstract

The current study explores delegates' views and nuanced perspectives on the monetization of parliamentary primaries in the Yunyoo Constituency of the North East region of Ghana. Utilizing qualitative research methods, including detailed interviews, the study examines the impact of monetization on the country's democracy and the overall functioning of the political system. The findings reveal that delegates perceive monetization as a significant challenge to the electoral process, leading to corruption, unfairness, and bias in candidate selection, ultimately undermining the political system. The study identifies several factors fueling the monetization of parliamentary primaries, including endemic poverty, rising inequality, the insatiable quest for money by prospective voters, failed promises, the perception of politics as a business, and the absence of government financial support for political parties and their candidates, along with weak regulation of political financing. The practical implications of these findings for electoral reform and democratic governance in Ghana are discussed. The study highlights the need for demonetization, the establishment of more transparent and accountable party financing mechanisms, and reforms that strengthen the role and independence of delegates in the primary election process.