Ghana Put To Test In Tight Presidential Election

Supporters of center-right candidate Nana Akufo-Addo at a rally in Accra on Wednesday

The Western press acts like Ghana didn't have a very tight election back in 2008, when the ruling center-right NPP party lost by less than 1% of the vote and yet peacefully transferred power to the center-left NDC party. Ghana will be fine in today's presidential election. From AFP (France): "Political observers say the campaign has been the most policy-driven ever in the country of some 24 million people, but note that ethnic and regional allegiances are still crucial."

The article continues: "The north, by far the poorest region and [center-left President John] Mahama's home area, is considered an NDC stronghold along with the eastern Volta region, while the [center-right] NPP is dominant in the centre of the country. The west and areas surrounding the capital Accra in the southeast are seen as swing districts, where, according to analysts, a more cosmopolitan electorate votes based on policy and political differences."