A recent poll conducted by Global InfoAnalytics, just two months ahead of the December 2024 elections, highlights that the economy, jobs, and education are the top priorities for voters.
According to the survey, 70% of respondents cited the economy as the most important issue, followed by jobs at 62% and education at 48%.
The poll further reveals that the current economic situation is expected to have the most significant impact on the election outcome, influencing 55% of voters.
“Economy, jobs and education remain the top issues for voters according to the poll as 70% of the issues cited as important was the economy, followed by jobs, 62% and Education, 48%.
The current economic conditions of voters will have greater influence on the outcome of the December elections according to the poll as it is cited 55% of the time by voters, followed by past performance of the political parties, 40%, the credibility of the candidates, 34%, parties manifestoes, 28%, galamsey fight, 9% and other factors, 8%” the report revealed.
This is followed by the past performance of political parties at 40%, candidate credibility at 34%, party manifestos at 28%, the fight against illegal mining (galamsey) at 9%, and other factors at 8%.
In terms of voter preferences, National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate John Dramani Mahama (JDM) continues to lead with 51.1% support. Vice President and New Patriotic Party (NPP) candidate Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia follows with 37.3%.
Independent candidates Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen and Nana Kwame Bediako stand at 4.1% and 6.2%, respectively, while other candidates collectively hold 1.3% in the weighted committed voters’ model.
In the unweighted likely voters’ model, John Dramani Mahama (JDM) holds 49.3% of support, while Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia (DMB) trails at 35.9%.
Independent candidates Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen (AKK) and Nana Kwame Bediako (NKB) receive 3.9% and 6.0%, respectively, with others at 1.4% and undecided voters accounting for 3.5%.
The survey indicates that a runoff election is unlikely, as the annual average shows JDM leading with 53%, followed by DMB at 36%, AKK at 7%, Bediako at 3%, and other candidates at 1%.
Voter apathy poses a significant challenge for the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), with 16% of those indicating they won’t vote identifying as party supporters. Only 3% are from the National Democratic Congress (NDC), while 38% are floating voters.
Additionally, 4% belong to other parties, and 39% have not disclosed their affiliations. Overall, 4.4% of respondents stated they would abstain from voting.
Success in the upcoming December elections will hinge on candidates’ ability to rally their bases and attract floating voters. The poll reveals that DMB has the support of 88% of his base, whereas JDM enjoys a higher rate of 96%, giving him an 8-point edge.
Among floating voters, JDM significantly leads DMB, 54% to 23%, marking a 31-point advantage. Furthermore, he holds an 18-point lead among those unwilling to disclose their party affiliations.
Notably, the poll reflects a decline in DMB’s support within the Muslim community, a crucial demographic for his campaign, as he has lost nearly 4% since July 2024.