The Supreme Court has triggered panic in Parliament after delivering a landmark ruling that abolishes the “good old” delegates system for electing Members of Parliament and Flagbearers of political parties.
The decision has sent several MPs scrambling ahead of primaries, with many describing the mood in the House as one of “pandemonium.”
In its decision, the Apex Court struck down provisions that allowed political parties to use a limited delegate’s college to elect Parliamentary Candidates and Flagbearers.
The court ruled that such a system is inconsistent with the constitutional principles of wider participation and internal democracy.
The effect is immediate: Parties must now open their primaries to a broader base of party members with members of good standing, not just a handpicked delegate list.
MPs React: “It Will Escalate Costs”
The ruling has divided opinion within Parliament, while proponents argue it will deepen democracy and reduce monetization; a number of MPs are pushing back.
“The Supreme Court is acting on motion, thinking that this will reduce the cost of elections but that’s palpable false, rather it will escalate the cost of elections in Ghana,” one MP told this reporter on condition of anonymity.
Other MPs say they will now “running helter-skelter” to be reorganized by all with their upcoming campaigns to reach thousands more voters in their constituencies ahead of primaries.
Political parties are expected to amend their constitutions and guidelines to comply with the ruling before the next round of internal elections.
The Electoral Commission and party leadership are yet to issue formal directives on how the new, expanded primaries will be conducted and supervised.
Analysts say the decision could reshape Ghana’s political landscape by weakening the influence of money and “kingmakers” while increasing the cost and logistics of campaigning for aspirants.
The ruling is already being described as one of the most consequential political decisions in the last decade.
