Economist and political analyst Dr Theo Acheampong has said that the credibility of flagbearers and their running mates will be one of the deciding factors in the 2024 general elections.

Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express, he said that the perceived loyalty and trustworthiness of the candidates to make decisions and positively affect the lives of the populace will significantly impact the decisions of voters.

“So which of these candidates, given the economic issues that are bedevilling the economy, and given the growing dissatisfaction with how we practice politics and the outcomes of that, would be able to fundamentally improve their lot?” he quizzed.

Dr Acheampong added “we’ve been shown a number of promises that the candidates are already making. But if you unpack it a little further, there are things to do with the size of government, social interventions, poverty eradication, corruption, youth unemployment, agriculture, and reducing the food import bill, as well as tax reforms.”

Citizens, he noted, have fundamental questions about which of the parties with their flagbearers and running mates have the credibility, in terms of loyalty and trust, to address these promises.

Additionally, Dr. Acheampong also addressed the candidates' extensive promises, stating that parties would be quizzed on how they intend to fund them.

He explained that the incoming government will not have the resources needed to finance the extensive promises being made noting that this calls for a deeper examination of how these campaign promises will be executed.

Political parties addressing the funding of promises is crucial to determining the feasibility of promises and ensuring they translate into tangible outcomes, he added.

Dr Aheampong believes this will also contribute to the evaluation of presidential candidates and their ability can genuinely improve the nation's circumstances by citizens.