The Nexus between Citizen Participation in Elections and Development in Ghana: Empirical Evidence from Voters in Four Electorally-Swing Constituencies

Abstract

This paper sought to establish the relationship between individual citizens' voting participation in national elections and their felt socio- economic outcomes in Ghana. The paper adopts a micro-level approach and utilises data from 600 sample respondents in four selected constituencies. The aim is to ascertain their views on various socio-economic issues related to elections and felt individual and community  outcomes. The data was analysed using standard multi-regression. The results established the relationship between the  respondents' welfare and participation in voting in elections. The results revealed that the unique circumstances of voter choice in the  electorally swing constituencies in the country are contingent on superior socioeconomic policies of an incumbent government or  political parties in electoral competition with the aspiration to win political power and dominance in future electoral contests in Ghana. Therefore, based on the results, economic development through active participation in the political and electoral processes should place  a premium on inclusive access of citizens to income, health, education, and employment opportunities.