Supreme Court declares political parties’ delegate system unconstitutional

The Supreme Court has declared the delegate system used by political parties to elect their presidential and parliamentary candidates unconstitutional, ordering parties to adopt a more inclusive voting process within the next year.

In a 5-2 majority decision, the court directed all political parties to introduce measures that will allow every member in good standing to participate in the election of presidential and parliamentary candidates. The court gave the parties one year from the date of the judgment to comply with the directive.

The ruling effectively brings an end to the long-standing delegate system, under which only selected delegates voted to choose parliamentary and presidential candidates on behalf of the wider party membership.

The decision is expected to compel political parties to amend provisions in their constitutions and electoral guidelines to align with the court’s interpretation of the Constitution.

The judgment could significantly reshape Ghana’s internal party democracy by expanding participation in the selection of candidates ahead of future general elections.