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In the lead-up to the NPP presidential primary, Vice President Dr. Bawumia’s last-minute phone calls to delegates have ignited a debate on the effectiveness of such eleventh-hour efforts. The conversations, captured in detail, have led to discussions on whether these calls are worthwhile, considering that many voters may have already decided on their preferred candidates.
Some critics argue that attempting to sway voters at the eleventh hour might be an exercise in futility, given the sheer number of over 200,000 delegates and the limited time available for personal outreach. However, Dr. Kwame Asah-Asante, a senior Political Science lecturer at the University of Ghana, offered a different perspective.
Dr. Asah-Asante emphasized the importance of continued campaigning until the moment voting begins. In Ghanaian politics, the night before an election is critical, as it presents an opportunity for last-minute influencing through various means, including financial incentives and gifts. As he explained, “from now (Friday night) up to tomorrow morning (Saturday), things are likely to happen.”
The senior lecturer emphasized that even at the polling booth, some voters might change their minds, making last-minute campaigning a necessary strategy. He dispelled the notion that all voters have firmly decided on their choices, stating, “some people even make a change of their decisions at the poll, at the booth where they are about to cast their vote.”
Dr. Bawumia’s actions reflect the sentiment that nobody wants to leave any stone unturned, especially in a closely contested race. During one of the phone calls, Bawumia urged a delegate named Bismark to cast his ballot in his favor, receiving an affirmative response. The surprising nature of the call left Bismark and those around him in awe as they realized they were speaking with the Vice President.
With 204,144 delegates expected to vote across 277 polling centers, and an additional 537 proxy voters, the stakes are high in the NPP presidential primary. The contestants vying for the party’s flag bearer position include Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, Francis Addai-Nimoh, and Kennedy Ohene Agyapong.
As the hours count down to the primary, Dr. Bawumia’s last-minute outreach continues to generate intrigue and debate among political observers and voters alike.
