Politics Shmolitics take two

“Have they announced they results yet?” I ask my landlord as we eat our dinner on opposite sides of the compound. “There is no winner. We are going to have to vote again on Friday.”

My heart sank to the concrete floor. Come on Ghana, really? You can’t do that, you can’t just keep having run-off elections until your party is chosen. I waited for the call from the PC office letting me know that stand-off was extended, and I didn’t have to wait long.

“You are ruining my life!” I yell to Ghana. In my head.

I don’t know what exactly I put in my body to make it go mad on me, but I hardly remember the three days that followed. I did get to know my latrine very well. And my pillows. I finally had enough energy to sit with Abukari outside my room right before his all-night security shift (my counterpart has three jobs, four if you count taking care of me, which should be paid and full-time).

“How are you feeling?” he asks me. Much better. I think I’m going to leave my room tomorrow. Did you vote today?

“Maria, they have already announced a winner.”

What? Wait, what? Are you serious? What day is today?

Note to self, best way to pass the time in Africa is to fall very ill. Check.

“NDC has won. Everyone is celebrating.”

The northern region is predominantly NDC. Congratulations Abukari. It only took three tries.

So I missed the election and all its excitement. But as the good little journalist I am, I picked up the pieced after the fact. While NPP had a hard time giving up office, NDC was eventually given their rightful seat (or so we can hope and pray). NPP and NDC supporters alike, each decked in their respective colors and t-shirts celebrated in the streets. All were thrilled that the election received a peaceful outcome and a new president. All political standpoints were put aside and Ghana seemed to embrace the majority vote, as slim as it was.

I am awestruck by how this election has ended. I couldn’t be more proud to be here, especially this region, where all eyes awaited for violence to take place. They have revealed a unity and will for peace that is stronger than I have seen even in the US, most definitely more so than elsewhere in Africa.

You done good Ghana.