An African Election

It is 2008, 28 days before the first presidential elections in Ghana in four years. The eyes of the world are on Ghana. The main contest is between the two leading political parties, the conservative NPP and the more left-wing NDC. How will Ghana respond to the election battle and, more importantly, its outcome? People are hopeful of a peaceful electoral process and yet the fear that the elections might lead to conflict are palpable.

The stakes are high. Strong personal opinions about Ghana's political future resonate among political experts, journalists, a stand-up comedian and the people of Ghana. They all agree that the time has come for Ghana to set an example and change people's view of Africa as being "backward." All the average citizen wants is work and peace.

On Election Day, everything appears to be going fine. The real struggle for power only begins when no clear winner emerges from the vote. The electorate is once again called to the polls. The campaign machinery starts again, the rhetoric becomes harsh and the tension in the country rises. Any chance of a peaceful election seems to evaporate when the second round of voting also fails to produce a clear winner.