# Ghanaian electoral and governance reform debates > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/ghanaian-electoral-and-governance-reform-debates > Updated: 2026-10-03T11:41:11.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2. Governance and electoral reform discussions in Ghana have focused on political financing and local administration. The Centre for Democratic Development (CDD) has advocated for urgent reforms to address rising campaign costs, noting that the expense of contesting a parliamentary seat increased 500% between 2012 and 2024. The CDD highlighted regulatory gaps in the Political Parties Act, 2000, such as the lack of spending caps and real-time donor disclosure, which they suggest allow “the highest bidder wins” in elections. Parallel discussions have emerged regarding proposed reforms for electing Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs). Stakeholders at a citizens' forum in Accra expressed concern that a proposed model—where the President nominates candidates for a public vote—would maintain central government control and limit democratic choice. Additionally, debates continue regarding the non-partisan nature of local elections, with experts questioning whether formal political party participation is necessary to ensure meaningful competition. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-03: Ghanaian governance stakeholders critique MMDCE election reforms Ghanaian governance stakeholders are criticizing proposed local election reforms, arguing that presidential control over candidate nominations and the non-partisan election model limit true democratic choice. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ghanaian-governance-stakeholders-critique-mmdce-election-reforms ### 2026-09-08: CDD Ghana demands political finance reforms to curb rising campaign costs The Centre for Democratic Development is calling for political finance reforms in Ghana to address rising campaign costs and lack of transparency, while urging media to uphold ethical journalistic standards. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cdd-ghana-demands-political-finance-reforms-to-curb-rising-campaign-costs --- Cite as: Ghanaian electoral and governance reform debates. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/ghanaian-electoral-and-governance-reform-debates