Parts 1 and 2 of this series established voter turnout and economic conditions respectively as follow-on effects from Covid-19 that will shape the outcome of the December elections. In this final installment in our series we turn our attention to a less rigidly numerical effect – the perception of the competency of President Akuffo Addo in handling the pandemic.
Here’s how:
- When a crisis strikes at the national level, there is initially an expected rally-around-the-flag effect as people turn to their elected officials for leadership and guidance through a difficult time.
- However, as a crisis drags out for longer than expected the initial bounce in support could fade if voters perceive the government as not having done enough to stem the negative effects of the crisis.
- Covid-19 is a national challenge unlike any other. Globally, it’s killed hundreds of thousands of people and infected millions more. In Ghana, as of this post, it has infected almost 7,000 people.
- Thus far it appears the government of Ghana has been effective in its handling of the pandemic. The growth curve is flattening, the number of recoveries continues to climb and the death rate has remained relatively low.
- So how does this play out in the December elections? It’s not as straightforward as it may seem.
- If by December, most Ghanaians view the government’s overall response favorably, then expect a boost for the NPP.
- If most Ghanaians view the government as having bungled the response more than an NDC led government would have, then expect a possible boost for the NDC.
- However, if most Ghanaians have a neutral view of the government’s response but perceive the pandemic as outside the government’s control then it’s possible the NPP may not be harmed at all.
- Over the coming weeks we will be conducting a national poll on the perception of the government’s efforts at managing the pandemic. Check back often for details of that poll.
