An African Election

An African Election is a captivating 2011 documentary that takes its viewers deep into the heart of Africa's most democratic and politically charged nation, Ghana. This riveting political thriller, directed by Jarreth Merz, captures a critical moment in the history of an emerging African democracy.

The documentary is set in Ghana during the 2008 presidential elections, a pivotal time in the country's politics. The election was expected to be a turning point for Ghana, marking the role of democracy and symbolizing the political maturity of the nation. Important for both the people of Ghana and the eyes of the global community, it was a democratic exercise that was largely seen as a test for both African democracy and the fate of the new Republic of Ghana.

An African Election starts with the plights and hopes of Ghanaians across the diverse socio-economic and cultural framework of the country. Two main political parties, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP), dominate the political landscape. The heavyweights include Nana Akufo-Addo of the NPP and John Atta Mills of the NDC, who both walk on a tightrope between establishing their ideologies and convincing voters. Merz excellently captures the pulsating tension, joy, fear, and triumph that comes in the wake of this vital event in Ghana's politics.

The movie provides a thought-provoking and intimate close-up of the political, personal, and physical stakes involved in running a modern democratic election. It portrays the crucial pre-election activities, the charged election day events, and the nerve-wracking post-election ballot counts. This masterful depiction of elections takes viewers across the country from remote rural voting stations to urban voting booths, into counting rooms and high-stake conference rooms with international observers. This 360-degree view of the electoral processes provides a rich and thorough insight into the struggles and satisfaction of a nation determined to shape its destiny through democracy.

Merz's in-depth filming captures not only the passionate competition among politicians, political parties and campaigners, but also the fervent participation of ordinary Ghanaians, whose desire for socio-political transformation electrifies the overall electoral environment. The gripping scenes show a nation's collective optimism and assert their faith in the democratic process. An African Election vibrantly highlights the aspirations of voters, the fierce passion of youth, the commitment of women, and the conviction of the elder generation that combine to shape Ghana's political future.

The film also focuses on the challenges faced in such a critical election, including economic inequality, tribalism, the specter of political violence, and accusations of election fraud. It does not shy away from showing the obstacles present in African politics, such as the collision between modern election rules and traditional African ways of decision-making, making it a rounded and holistic representation of Ghana's political scene.

Despite the tension and drama, An African Election is more than just about the race to the presidency. It shines a light on the larger context of African politics, the strengths and weaknesses of an emerging democracy, and its implications for the nation itself. With this prophetic masterpiece, Merz has not only documented a historical event but has also invited viewers to debate, discuss, and reflect on the future of democracy, especially in Africa.

In conclusion, An African Election is a unique cinematic experience. It presents an engaging, edifying yet unflinching view of political vitality in Ghana and by extension, Africa. Its superb ability to portray a complex electoral process and the nuances of democracy in one of Africa's most politically dynamic countries makes it essential viewing for anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of democracy and politics in the African context.