'98 Ford Contour won't start

I have a '98 for contour with 189 000km on it. Car won't start. Can not hear starter trying to start car and there is limited power to things such as brake lights, head lights do not turn on, wipers, radio won't turn on either. Dashlights do not turn on. When you turn key to the #2 accesorie position there is no air or no warning lights that turn on. When car dose start everything works for about 24hrs, then everything stops working, spedometer, odometer. Tripometer and all warning lights. A mechanic said it could be ignition switch, alternator has been replaced, I am thinking it is starter and ignition. Any ideas?