Abstract:
Ghana’s general elections over the years have been competitive and characterized by
various patterns of voting behaviour. One notable voting behaviour among them is split
ticket voting behaviour. This study set out to identify what accounts for the split-ticket
voting behaviour in the Agona East constituency and its implications on socio
economic development of the area. The study employed the sociological model and
rational choice theory to help explain the data from the field. Voters and key informants
were sampled for the study. Concurrent Mixed Methods approach was employed to
collect and analyze data from the field. The study found that while the distribution of
valuable items and other gifts do not influence split-ticket voters’ decisions, campaign
messages and performance of ruling governments play significant role in voters’
intention to opt for split-ticket voting. It was also established that split-ticket voting
behaviour breeds hostility between the DCE and the Opposition Member of Parliament
in the constituency and this hinders smooth implementation of laudable socio-economic
development plans in the area. The study therefore recommends that politicians must
focus on the delivery of their campaign promises to attract the votes from the split
ticket voters in the constituency. It also recommends that in order to promote peaceful
working relationship between DCE and Opposition Member of Parliament, the DCEs
must be elected by the people to ensure the promotion of socio-economic development
in areas where voters engage in split-ticket voting behaviour.
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
