Dr. Bawumia Positioned 1st, Mahama 8th on Ghana's Presidential Ballot: Will Ballot Position Impact Election Outcome?

In the run-up to Ghana’s 2024 presidential election, the Electoral Commission has finalized the ballot positions for the various candidates, placing Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia in the coveted first spot and former President John Dramani Mahama in the eighth position.

The significance of ballot positions has long been debated in electoral politics, with some political analysts suggesting that the number one position can provide a psychological advantage. Voters, especially those who may be undecided or less informed, might be inclined to select the first candidate simply due to ease of access. However, the impact of this position on the overall election outcome remains speculative.

Dr. Bawumia, representing the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has capitalized on this ballot advantage, with campaign messages emphasizing his "first on the ballot" status as a sign of his readiness to lead the country. Meanwhile, John Mahama, leader of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), is placed at number eight, a position some might consider less ideal in terms of visibility on the ballot.

While ballot positions could influence the decisions of a few voters, it’s important to note that Ghana’s political landscape is highly polarized. Both Bawumia and Mahama have significant followings, and their core supporters are unlikely to be swayed by ballot placement alone. Campaign strategies, party manifestos, and the candidates' ability to address key national concerns will play a far more substantial role in determining the election outcome.

As election day approaches, it will be interesting to see if either candidate leverages their ballot position to gain further momentum. However, experts caution against overestimating the influence of ballot placement in such a high-stakes election.