MULTI-PARTY DEMOCRACY AND THE ELECTORAL PROCESS IN WA CENTRAL CONSTITUENCY

The electoral process in Ghana is proving to be a tough challenge for the sustenance of multi-party democracy. This thesis investigates the obstacles militating against the electoral process in a multi-party state system in Ghana with special reference to Wa Municipality in the Upper West Region. The objective is to examine the obstacles militating against popular participation in the electoral process within the Wa Central Constituency. The study adapted a case study approach which involved six (6) locations, purposively selected based on the historical records of these areas on the conduct of the electoral processes within the Constituency. Structured questionnaires, in-depth interviews and focus group discussions were used to collect data during the fieldwork. It was found out that there is a general lack of knowledge on how the electoral process operates and that this lack of knowledge is a by-product of the weak linkages in the electoral processes themselves. This thesis concludes that the challenges that impede the smooth operation of the electoral process need to be assessed with the view to improve upon the existing processes. It recommends that in order to strengthen the electoral process and reduce violence, there should be broader consultation in the demarcation of electoral boundaries while voters' registration and education should be ongoing exercises.