Bridges, bargains and brides: an empirical study on chiefly political endorsements in Ghana's 2016 presidential election

Political endorsements are becoming common in African elections. Endorsements by chiefs in Ghana's 2016 presidential election re-ignited debates on chiefs' involvement in partisan politics. But, (how) did the outcome of the election reflect chiefly endorsements? This article examines the relationship between chiefly political endorsements and election outcome. Data is extracted from online archives of select media outlets and Ghana's Electoral Commission; the analysis is framed in the duality of the postcolonial (African) state. Findings show a complex relationship across levels. The article argues that chiefly political endorsement is unnecessary and undercuts royal agency in community and national development.