As Ghana gears up for the general elections in December, a recent Afro Barometer survey reveals that 15% of verified voters are considering a “skirt and blouse” voting strategy, opting for presidential and parliamentary candidates from different political parties.
The survey also highlights that the majority of Ghanaians, 58%, plan to support candidates from the same political party, reflecting a desire for cohesion in their electoral choices.
An overwhelming 90% of Ghanaians consider a candidate’s honesty as the most critical factor in their voting decision, closely followed by character at 88% and campaign promises at 59%.
Despite a majority (58%) indicating they will support candidates from the same political party, the willingness of a notable segment to engage in ‘skirt and blouse’ voting signifies a demand for accountability and ethical leadership.
Additionally, only 6% of voters are inclined to back independent candidates, further illustrating the electorate’s focus on established party structures.
Despite the backdrop of potential political violence, the survey reveals that 85% of Ghanaians feel relatively safe from intimidation during the electoral process.
Most citizens continue to regard elections as the most effective means of choosing their leaders, with consistent support for this notion exceeding 80% over the past two decades.
As the December elections draw near, the commitment of Ghanaians to make informed choices based on candidate integrity is more evident than ever.
