Alan Kyerematen, an independent presidential candidate for the Movement for Change is reportedly underperforming against Independent Presidential Candidate for the New Force, Nana Kwame Bediako, among first-time voters.
Speaking to ABC NEWS GH, a senior analyst with Global Info Analytics, Salam Nsia noted that Bediako’s fresh and non-partisan appeal resonates more with young voters, who are less attracted to candidates associated with established political parties.
“I was a bit surprise Allan Kyeremanten was underperforming Nana Bediako,” he reference a data gathered his outfit.
“The youth seem to connect with Bediako because he doesn’t carry the baggage of being tied to any party,” the analyst noted.
“Bediako doesn’t carry the baggage of being associated with any party, and that likely works in his favor among first-time voters,” the analyst explained.
Despite Bediako’s popularity with this demographic, questions linger about whether these first-time voters will turn out in significant numbers on election day.
The analyst also highlighted challenges faced by Kyerematen, who has been unable to capitalize on his prior affiliation with the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
“Being popular within a party doesn’t always translate into success as an independent candidate. Party structures are deeply entrenched, making it difficult to sway voters away from traditional loyalties,” he added.
On the broader electoral landscape, the data indicates a slight advantage for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the upcoming elections, with a projected 150 parliamentary seats for the NDC compared to 96-98 for the NPP.
Regional breakdowns highlight nuanced dynamics, including “skirt and blouse” voting trends where voters split preferences between presidential and parliamentary candidates.
According to data presented by Salam, in Ahafo Region, John Mahama outperforms his MPs by 17%, while Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia polls 15% higher than his MPs.
However, in the Ashanti Region, Mahama and his MPs are evenly matched, while Bawumia trails his MPs by 3%.
As Ghana heads to the polls in just eight days, first-time voters remain a crucial and unpredictable factor.
While their concerns about job opportunities and economic stability are driving their preferences, skepticism about the political system has led to uncertainty about their turnout.
Their participation could marginally shape the outcome of the elections, making their engagement a critical focus for all candidates.
