Ghana Supreme Court Invalidates Delegate System for Political Party Primaries

• The Ghana Supreme Court has ruled that the delegate system used by political parties is unconstitutional.
• All registered party members will now participate in internal elections to select candidates.
• The decision raises practical questions about funding and organisation for nationwide internal elections.
• Lawyers advising political parties must consider the implications of this ruling, including potential costs associated with implementation.

This particular one is a body imposing on all of us to do it; the party is yet to read a judgment, come to a full appreciation of what the prevailing issues are.

The Ghana Supreme Court has made a landmark ruling, declaring the delegate system used by political parties to elect presidential and parliamentary candidates unconstitutional. The court directed that all registered, card-bearing members should participate in such primaries. This decision marks a significant shift towards deepening democracy in Ghana, as it expands internal voting to all party members.

The Supreme Court's ruling is based on the unconstitutionality of the delegate system. The court has effectively invalidated this method of selecting candidates, paving the way for a more inclusive and participatory process. Political parties in Ghana must now adapt to this new reality, which raises practical questions about funding and organisation.

The implications of this ruling are far-reaching, with potential costs associated with implementing nationwide internal elections and mobilising large numbers of members to participate. Lawyers advising political parties in Ghana should closely monitor the situation, as the Supreme Court's decision will require careful consideration of the practicalities involved. The NDC, led by Deputy General Secretary Mustapha Gbande, has expressed reservations about the ruling, citing challenges with funding and organisation.

Lawyers advising political parties in Ghana should watch for the practical implications of the Supreme Court's ruling, including potential costs associated with implementing nationwide internal elections and mobilising large numbers of members to participate.

Source: Original reporting via Joy News