Creating Consensus for Constitutional Change

• In Event: Political Economy of Elite Decision-Making in Africa

Abstract

The quest for constitutional change in developing democracies, such as Ghana, often stumbles over the hurdle of building consensus among diverse stakeholders. Despite prior attempts in 2010 and 2018, constitutional reform in Ghana has stalled, primarily due to the lack of consensus across political parties, ethnic groups, and geographical regions. This study adopts an innovative approach, leveraging technology to facilitate broad-based participation and agreement on constitutional changes, engaging both citizens and political elites.

Initially, we revisit the proposals from previous attempts at constitutional reform, compiling a comprehensive list of proposed legal changes. We then employ a sophisticated smartphone app with an integrated algorithm to collect data from a representative sample across Ghana's diverse regions and ethnic groups. This technology enables participants to conveniently express their views—agreement, disagreement, or neutrality—on the proposed constitutional changes.

In a subsequent phase, we present these aggregated results to a broader citizen sample. Here, we experimentally assess their opinions on the proposed constitutional changes, especially when combined with treatments like providing information about the stances of similar demographic groups. This approach aims to understand how shared perspectives might influence individual opinions.

Finally, the project confronts political elites with these findings, challenging and potentially reshaping their perceptions about public support for constitutional amendments. By revealing the actual landscape of public opinion, this innovative approach not only maps the consensus but actively participates in shaping it. The study offers a model for inclusive and effective constitutional reform in Ghana and serves as a template for other developing democracies grappling with similar challenges.

Author

• Julio S. Solis Arce, Harvard University