Winning an Election with Performance: Crossing Thresholds in Ghana

Authors

  • Beverly J. Stoeltje Universidade de Indiana

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.11606/2179-0892.ra.2013.82464

Keywords:

Ghana, Politics, Performance, Curse, Custom, Modernity

Abstract

Politicians in Ghana relish calling each other “wicked rascals,” and frequently engage in attacks and counter attacks, labeled “ping pong politics.” Utilizing the power of performance, in 2008, one well -educated politician employed an innovative strategy in the election campaign. He invoked a curse implying the opposition party was guilty of false accusations against his party. Using the modern media he persuaded the voters, and his party was victorious. The paper explores the high value placed on performance in Asante culture and the role of curse in the society. It argues that performance serves as the dynamic force for social and political interaction, making it possible to cross thresholds in practice and to reveal contradictions through the performance of ritual.

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Published

2013-12-12

Issue

Vol. 56 No. 2 (2013)

Section

Special Number: Anthropology and Performance

License

Copyright (c) 2014 Revista de Antropologia

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How to Cite

Stoeltje, B. J. (2013). Winning an Election with Performance: Crossing Thresholds in Ghana. Revista De Antropologia, 56(2), 153-181. https://doi.org/10.11606/2179-0892.ra.2013.82464