Elections 2004 (Results) - Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, Ghana Office

PREFACE
Ghana's march to multiparty democracy from 1957 to date has experienced many hiccups. There have been several
military interventions. Thus, the present multiparty democratic system is the Fourth Republic; meaning the fourth
attempt at restoring democratic governance in the country.
So far there are hopeful indications that this attempt will not fail. Four successful, transparent, free, fair and democratic
elections have been held since this last effort in 1992. Unlike other states which have disintegrated as a result
of election disputes, Ghana is still intact and functioning as a unitary state. This could be attributed to the independence
of the Electoral Commission (EC) coupled with the professional and competent conduct of the elections by the EC.
Since the inception of the Fourth Republic, the Friedrich Ebert Foundation has collaborated with the EC to publish
results of all Presidential and Parliamentary elections. These publications have become the primary source book for
researchers, academics, social commentators and in fact the general public.
In this current publication, in addition to the facts and figures of the elections, it contains a paper presented by Prof.
J.R.A. Ayee analysing the major factors, which have influenced the voting patterns in the 2004 elections.
The Foundation wishes to acknowledge the contribution of the members and staff of the Electoral Commission in
making this publication a reality.
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