Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Hajia Alima Mahama, says the election of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) on partisan basis would be a key solution to the ‘winner takes all’ syndrome plaguing Ghana’s democratic environment.
She stated that the practice where ruling party had the privilege to nominate MMDCEs would end; making way for inclusive governance with all political parties enjoying a level playing field to present a candidate for election on a universal adult suffrage basis.
Hajia Mahama said this at a meeting to sensitise and create a better understanding on the election processes among the representatives of the various political parties, on Monday in Accra.
The forum on the theme, “Electing MMDCEs for Improved Local Decentralisation and Good Governance”, was also used to discuss the proposed national road roadmap for the elections, expected to take off on 2021.
The Minister, however, explained: “Although this is not the only solution to completely solve ‘winner takes-all’ syndrome; with this system, when a Party wins an election, the President will not have to appoint the MMDCEs.
Hajia Mahama said the Ministry had consulted all key stakeholders on the best possible ways of having local leaders elected on partisan basis.
She said that the Ministry was collaborating with key institutions including the Electoral Commission and the National Commission for Civic Education to ensure that the public was adequately sensitised to ensure a successful referendum in September 2019, alongside the District Assemblies election.
Dr Eric Oduro Osae, Dean of Studies and Research at the Institute of Local Government Studies, also said if the Government was able to implement the intended policy, it would stop acrimonies in elections because political parties would have another opportunity in that of the MMDCEs to be in government.
