WITHDRAWING FROM THE TAMALE CENTRAL BY-ELECTION: A MERE SHOW OF COWARDICE OR HONOURING THE DEAD?

In every democratic dispensation, the principles of representation, participation, and accountability remain paramount. These principles are not merely abstract ideals; they are the very foundations upon which the legitimacy of any democratic system stands. It is for this reason that the laws of Ghana, like those of other democratic nations, mandate the holding of by-elections to fill vacant parliamentary seats.

When a Member of Parliament passes away, no matter how tragic or horrific the circumstances, the constitutional process must still be respected. While the pain of loss is understandable, and the desire to honour the deceased is commendable, democracy is not suspended by grief. The seat that has become vacant does not belong to any individual or political party; it belongs to the people of that constituency. They alone have the right to decide, through a fair and open contest, who should represent them next.

Since when has declining to contest a by-election become a measure of empathy or a show of respect to the dead? Haven’t both the NDC and the NPP, over the years, contested by-elections that occurred as a result of the death of MPs? If the principle were truly about sympathy, then precedent shows that neither of the major parties has practised it consistently. It is, therefore, strange to start that conversation now as if this is the first time we are losing MPs through death.

Consider the pending Tamale Central by-election: the decision to withdraw may be framed by some as a dignified gesture, a noble attempt to honour the memory of the departed. Yet that very act—a deliberate choice to abstain—can be seen as an act of cowardice, an evasion of democratic duty. Alternatively, it could be viewed genuinely as a sign of respect to the deceased. But make no mistake: no matter how well-intended, such a withdrawal risks sacrificing the democratic voice of the constituency in favour of political optics.

And let us pose a hypothetical: had it been the President who passed away in office— perish the thought— would those now calling for political parties to abstain from contesting a by-election refrain from presenting a candidate? Would they instead urge the party that suffered the loss to simply choose a replacement without an election? If not, then the current call for non-contestation rings hollow and inconsistent.

In recent times, there have been calls for certain by-elections to be uncontested, with the argument that such a gesture would show solidarity or respect for the departed MPs. While such suggestions may appear noble on the surface, they in fact undermine the very essence of democracy. A parliamentary seat is not a hereditary title to be handed over without the people’s consent, nor is it a political trophy for one party to keep unchallenged.

If one political party chooses not to participate in a by-election, that is a legitimate strategic decision. However, it becomes undemocratic if the contest is deliberately avoided through back-door agreements aimed at denying the electorate a choice. Elections are not held merely for the sake of political parties; they are conducted for the people, whose voices must always be heard, regardless of circumstances.

Ghanaians must guard against sentiments that erode the constitutional order. The framers of our Constitution recognised that representation is not a privilege granted by political elites but a right vested in the electorate. By-elections serve as a reminder that governance is a continuous process, one that must not be stalled or manipulated, no matter the emotional or political climate.

True respect for a departed public servant lies not in shielding their seat from competition, but in honouring their commitment to democracy by ensuring that their constituents are given the chance to choose their next representative freely and fairly.

Democracy thrives only when it is practised, not when it is paused—even when withdrawal might be defended as either cowardice or respect.

Ghanaians are watching!!!
FAB’s Gist.