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.
Description:
A Thesis in the Department of Political Science Education,
Faculty of Social Sciences Education, submitted to the School of
Graduate Studies in partial fulfilment
of the requirements for the award of the degree of
Master of Philosophy
(Political Science Education)
in the University of Education, Winneba
