Our view: Does it have to mean going to war in order to win elections?
We know that come election time, various organizations tend to emerge and disappear through the election period, only to resurface in five years' time.
Yesterday was election day which was preceded by many uncertainties with arrests of some leaders and attempted assassination of others, while in other parts of the country, some candidate councillors were actually killed.
Does it have to mean going to war in order to win elections? Does it have to lead to bloodshed in order to be appreciated by the electorate? The answer is a stern no!
Whatever position each organisation has at the end of the counting of the votes, is a true reflection of the amount of influence they command among the electorate. If you have worked very hard to win the favour of the electorate, you will receive a fair share of your dividend in this regard.
In order to have acquired a suitable dividend, organizations should have made it their business to cater to the needs of the electorate and and have displayed an interest in their daily lives.We know that come election time, various organizations tend to emerge and disappear through the election period, only to resurface in five years’ time.
During this period, they are not involved in any political activities that would convince people to vote for them. I was taken aback when l saw some posters of a civic group led by an individual who was dismissed for alleged corruption and mismanagement from a local municipality – I just wondered as he is a well known staunch member of the ruling party, but chose to oppose them yesterday.
Whatever happened to trust and loyalty from the very community he wants to serve, beats the mind. If one seeks revenge, why not go it alone and fight your own battles? To me, it proves that the people are pawns for politicians to ride higher in positions of power. A friendly advice and request to all politicians: stop messing with people’s lives and undermining their intelligence, they determine your right to lead them through their vote, so respect them always.
My earnest appeal is to accept the outcome as it is announced by the IEC, as it is the people’s right to vote for whoever they wish to lead them for the next five years.
