From Majority to Audience – Why It Is Good to Be Humble Sometimes
In the world of politics, as in life, few things are as constant as change. Ghana’s recent election season delivered not just a fascinating political shift but also a timeless lesson on the unpredictable nature of power and the value of humility. The unfolding events remind us of the ancient wisdom that pride often comes before a fall, while humility can be a shield against the whims of fate.
Prelude to a Crisis
As Ghana entered the election year, tensions in Parliament reached a boiling point. A contentious ruling by the Speaker of Parliament set the stage for a dramatic power struggle. The ruling concerned the status of certain Members of Parliament who intended to contest future elections as independents. If upheld, it would have reconfigured the delicate balance in Parliament, potentially flipping the Majority into the Minority and elevating the Minority into the Majority.
For the ruling group at the time, the ruling represented a significant threat to their legislative dominance. Determined to maintain their grip on power, they escalated the matter to the Supreme Court, seeking to overturn the Speaker’s decision. This high-stakes legal battle was perceived by many as a bold, perhaps overly confident, action to secure parliamentary control at all costs. However, the move risked plunging the nation into what some termed a constitutional crisis, as the implications of judicial intervention in parliamentary matters loomed over Ghana’s democratic fabric.
The Elections and the Winds of Change
Barely a month after the court challenge, the nation headed to the polls. While the ruling group focused on protecting their parliamentary majority, the electorate appeared to have other plans. Early projections revealed a decisive shift in favour of their rivals, with the opposition securing an overwhelming majority of parliamentary seats. By the time the results were clear, it became apparent that the political fortunes of the ruling group had dramatically shifted.
Not only had they lost their majority, but their influence in Parliament is also projected to be minimal. With the opposition holding sufficient seats to form a quorum independently, the former majority finds itself on the verge of “political irrelevance” in the legislative arena. What once seemed a matter of critical strategic importance, the tussle over a few parliamentary seats now pales in comparison to the stark reality of diminished political leverage. They almost are becoming just “observers or an audience” in Parliament.
Lessons in Humility
This rapid reversal of fortunes offers a profound lesson about humility, particularly in positions of power. In the days leading up to the elections, the ruling group’s assertive stance reflected a sense of confidence, perhaps even hubris, in their ability to maintain control. But the outcome demonstrated how fleeting political power can be.
Humility is not merely a virtue for moralists and philosophers; it is a practical strategy in a world of uncertainties. Political power, like life itself, is inherently unstable. The very structures we build to secure dominance can collapse under the weight of unforeseen events. In such a reality, humility serves as a reminder to wield power with care and to temper ambition with an understanding of its limits.
The events in Ghana’s Parliament also underscore the perils of overconfidence in democratic institutions. Political actors often assume that the present dynamics will persist indefinitely, forgetting that democracy’s strength lies in its fluidity. Electoral outcomes, driven by the will of the people, can overturn even the most carefully constructed plans. Those who fail to appreciate this risk finding themselves spectators in the very arena they once controlled.
The Broader Implications of Power and Change
The lessons from Ghana’s elections extend beyond the political sphere. In personal and professional life, we encounter similar dynamics. A business leader at the peak of success can be dethroned by a disruptive competitor. A star athlete can be sidelined by injury, and a dominant brand can fall out of favour due to shifting consumer preferences. In all these scenarios, humility serves as an anchor, preventing overconfidence and fostering resilience when the tides inevitably shift.
This situation also calls to mind the notion of legacy. Power is transient, but how it is exercised determines how leaders are remembered. Had the ruling group approached the Speaker’s ruling with greater humility and focused on building broader consensus rather than resorting to legal battles, they might have preserved not just their influence but also their reputation. Conversely, the newfound majority brings its own challenges, as the party must now navigate its mandate with responsibility and a recognition of the same potential for reversal.
Embracing the Virtue of Humility
Ghana’s recent parliamentary drama is more than just a political story; it is a parable about the nature of power and the importance of humility. It reminds us that the positions we hold today are not guaranteed tomorrow. The tides of fortune can change rapidly, and those who once sat at the helm may find themselves on the margins.
In politics, as in life, it is good to be humble sometimes. Humility allows us to engage with others more constructively, to act with foresight, and to accept the inherent uncertainties of the world. For those who find themselves on the losing side of this political shift, this may be a moment of reflection and recalibration. For the rest of us, it is a reminder that power, influence, and success are fleeting and that humility is the one constant that can guide us through it all.
