Ghanian elections unlikely to alter Accra's priorities

Subject

Ghana election preview.

Significance

Ghanaians vote in presidential and parliamentary elections on December 7 with projected results too close to call. In a repeat of the 2012 presidential contest, incumbent President John Dramani Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) faces Nana Akufo-Addo of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in an effective two-horse race.

Impacts

• The losing presidential candidate is likely to dispute the results but will do so through the courts.
• Most international observers will deem the election free and fair.
• Pre-election spending commitments may not be feasible in 2017 due to IMF conditions.