TODAY’S CHANGED POLITICAL DYNAMICS AND REALITIES —VERY DEMANDING ! EITHER THE BEST OR NOTHING
Mediocre politics will no longer benefit any party
By Kabs Kanu
Dynamics are not static. They have never been and will never be. Dynamics will always change .
The political landscape has changed .
Yes, in Sierra Leone , as is the case in most countries in Africa, politics is largely ethnoregional and tribal. SLPP is Southeastern and APC is Northwestern. The Mendes, Kissis and Sherbros are the main supporters of the SLPP. The Temnes, Limbas , Lokkos and Creoles largely support the APC. Divide the Western Area into millions of councils. It will remain the stronghold of the APC. Pa Cole and Pa Johnson will complain but when they go to cast their votes, they will look for the APC symbol.
However, the dynamics have still changed. Political dynamics have shifted from traditional, party-controlled structures to a more candidate-driven, identity-polarized, and media-saturated dispensation . Go to our WhatsApp and Internet forums. Individuals are being promoted more than the political parties.
In this regard, the changing dynamics call for changes in campaign strategies and the qualities of the candidates. Today, to win an election, the opposition, especially, needs strong, forceful and at times very charismatic leaders to melt the hearts of the electorate .
Ernest Koroma was one such candidate and let us be frank, Maada Bio was another such candidate. These individuals were able to snatch votes beyond their traditional strongholds because they loomed large on the stage. When they spoke, men and women listened. They exuded hope and promise. Their political platforms impressed people. Bio’s reputation was not good but he was strong , mercurial and campaigned wisely. His campaign blueprints touched on the matters that upset Sierra Leoneans most. He knew where to hit the APC so with all his poor reputation, people believed that he would changed their lives for the better. If only Bio had utilized the political capital that propelled him to power. He didn’t. He disappointed himself.
However ethnoregional our politics, as the dynamics continue to change every day, no political party will win an election in Sierra Leone if it showcases the same old discredited politicians ( Unless the votes are rigged for them) . Sierra Leoneans are no longer fools. They are not looking for much the same. They are looking for a BREATH OF FRESH AIR in their country. They are looking for newly- minted politicians to lead the charge. So, any political party with a vanguard dominated by the same old , recycled and demeaned faces will find it difficult to attract votes( Unless , of course , votes are rigged in their favour ).
Some of our politicians belong to the unwanted genre of SPENT FORCES. Nobody wants to see them leading any political party again in Sierra Leone, let one become President.
I am not referring to every politician who has served in government before . Some of them with good reputation and unblemished records can still reinvent themselves and come back and win because their character is strong and impeccable. I am referring to politicians carrying considerable baggage : Corruption and nation- wrecking tendencies and allegations hanging over their heads like the Sword of Damocles.
This is no longer politics of mediocrity. Where you have young, bold, vibrant, sparkling young men and women asserting to be well and dangerously educated, you know you have to produce a candidate with equal footing or somebody with a record of magnificent pro- people causes and reliable delivery of pro- people goodies. That you have sycophants and drugged young people who can dance behind you is no longer enough.
The opposition, especially, must shun mediocrity. At a time like this, it is either the best or nothing. Our flagbearer must be a man or woman of proven substance, somebody unsullied or “unblackmailed “ by dirt, somebody who will lift his hands high and nobody would put them down. We are in the opposition. We do not enjoy the power and instruments of incumbency. Our chances to win must be bolstered by quality —Quality flagbearer and quality campaign strategies. He does have to be dangerously educated as claimed by the SLPP. Quality cuts in many ways and the ability to deliver the goods is the best quality.
More anon.
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