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ACCRA: Ghanaians vote in elections on Monday during which President Nana Akufo-Addo and former president John Mahama provide rival guarantees to assist the economic system rebound from its first quarterly contraction in practically 40 years.
Eyes are on the West African financial powerhouse to see if it will possibly keep its standing as a bastion of democracy within the unstable area the place election disputes this yr have fanned fears of a slide again into authoritarianism.
There are 12 presidential candidates, however most voters are seemingly to decide on between Akufo-Addo and his New Patriotic Party, and Mahama’s National Democratic Congress, which have alternated in energy since 1992.
Last yr Ghana emerged from a three-year lending programme with the International Monetary Fund just for the brand new coronavirus to knock demand for its key exports of oil and cocoa.
If re-elected for a second four-year time period, Akufo-Addo guarantees to push forward with a $17 billion restoration programme to spice up jobs, whereas Mahama’s keystone pledge is a $10 billion infrastructure plan.
The race is anticipated to be tight, although commentators say Akufo-Addo has a slight lead based mostly on his efficiency through the pandemic during which his administration supplied free water and subsidised electrical energy to households.
“He has brought hope to many Ghanaians through his social interventions. It’s been a difficult year,” stated 45-year-old businesswoman Evelyn Amey within the capital Accra.
The two sides agreed on Friday to resolve any electoral disputes in court docket, after fears that unofficial safety teams employed by politicians might disrupt the vote.
Polls open at 7 a.m. (0700 GMT) and shut at 5 p.m. Results are anticipated no later than Dec. 10, however will seemingly come sooner.
(Writing by Alessandra Prentice; Editing by Edward McAllister and Raissa Kasolowsky)
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