Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama has emerged as the leading figure trusted to address the nation’s foremost issue, the economy, in a new survey by Global Infoanalytics.
With 54% of respondents favouring him over his rivals, the survey underscored Mahama’s strong position in the electoral landscape.
The survey, which was conducted in December 2023 and canvassed over 6,200 voters across the country, however, highlights the enduring influence of party affiliations on voter preferences.
Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia (DMB) was seen as the most capable economic steward by 26% of those surveyed, while Alan John Kwadwo Kyerematen (AKK) secured the confidence of 8%. The remaining 12% of respondents placed their trust in other candidates, illustrating the diverse opinions among the Ghanaian electorate.
The survey also offers a detailed insight into party-specific trust dynamics. Within the National Democratic Congress (NDC), an overwhelming 93% of voters expressed their trust in Mahama, showcasing a solid base of support.
Conversely, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) displayed a more divided stance, with 64% backing Bawumia but a notable 36% diverging towards other candidates, indicating potential fractures within the party’s support base.
Floating voters, often seen as pivotal in swinging election outcomes, predominantly trust Mahama, with 50% favouring him over Bawumia (19%) and Kyerematen (11%). This demographic’s leanings could be decisive in the forthcoming election.
Similarly, among voters who withheld their party allegiance, Mahama led with 34%, suggesting his cross-party appeal extends beyond traditional NDC supporters.
Interestingly, Kyerematen found considerable favour among supporters of smaller parties, with 38% trusting him the most. This indicates his potential to draw significant votes from beyond the major party lines, adding an unpredictable element to the race.
Despite the strong showing for Mahama in terms of trust to rectify the economic challenges, the entrenched party loyalties underscored by the poll suggest a complex electoral battlefield ahead.
The NPP’s internal divisions, the solid backing for Mahama within the NDC, and the sway of floating and non-affiliated voters all hint at a dynamic and potentially volatile lead-up to the election.
These insights into voter sentiment provide valuable foresight into the evolving political narrative and while Mahama currently leads in economic trust, the ultimate decision will hinge on a myriad of factors, including campaign dynamics, emerging issues, and the ability of candidates to resonate with the electorate beyond their economic pledges.
