Political parties, judiciary need reforms to protect African democracy - Asiedu Nketiah

Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), called for reforms within political parties and the judiciary to strengthen democratic governance and rebuild public trust across Africa on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at the 2026 Goodluck Jonathan Foundation Democracy Dialogue in Bauchi, Nigeria. He stated, "Elections determine who receives the authority to govern. They do not, by themselves, determine whether that authority will be exercised lawfully, whether constitutional limits will be respected, whether the opposition will remain legitimate or whether government will improve the lives of the people."

Asiedu Nketiah cited Ghana's democratic experience under the Fourth Republic as an example of democratic institutionalisation, noting the country has conducted nine consecutive general elections since 1992. He highlighted peaceful transfers of power recorded in 2000, 2008, 2016, and 2024 as evidence that governing parties in Africa can lose power and transfer authority peacefully through elections. He referenced the 2008 presidential election, which was decided by less than half a percentage point.