The Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) has laid out a comprehensive legislative roadmap to bring more transparency and accountability to political party and campaign financing.** The goal is to reduce the undue influence of money in Ghana’s electoral process.
Here are the key details of their proposals:
– Legislative Reforms: CDD-Ghana, in collaboration with a 25-member multi-stakeholder group, has developed a policy roadmap and drafted a model political finance law. This draft has been reviewed by the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) and submitted to the Attorney-General for consideration.
– Addressing Systemic Issues: The reforms aim to move beyond piecemeal changes and tackle the entire political finance system. This includes:
– Party and Candidate Funding: Regulating how parties and candidates raise funds.- Expenditure Ceilings: Setting limits on how much can be spent during campaigns.
– Third-Party Financing: Addressing the role of external groups in funding campaigns.
– Disclosure Requirements: Mandating clear rules on revealing sources of funds and expenditures.
– Enforcement Mechanisms: Strengthening the ability to implement and enforce these regulations.
– Abuse of Incumbency: Tackling the misuse of state resources by those in power.
– Standalone Law: CDD-Ghana advocates for a dedicated Political Finance Law to comprehensively regulate fundraising and spending. They also recommend amendments to the Political Parties Act of 2000 (Act 574) to enhance transparency, sanctions, and compliance measures.
– Addressing Rising Costs: The initiative is spurred by concerns over unchecked campaign spending, alleged vote-buying during party primaries, and the increasing cost of running for office, which makes elections inaccessible to ordinary citizens and heightens corruption risks. Studies cited by CDD-Ghana show a sharp rise in campaign expenditures over the years.
– Public Engagement: CDD-Ghana plans to hold ten regional forums in the coming weeks to build national consensus around the proposed reforms.
– Collaborative Effort: The center will continue to work with the Government, Parliament, political parties, citizens, and other stakeholders to advance an evidence-based and enforceable political finance reform agenda.
This comprehensive approach is seen as crucial for strengthening Ghana’s democracy and ensuring electoral integrity.
