As if the party nominations last year were not enough display of what ails political parties in our banana republic, the ODM party's National Delegates Conference, meant to choose new officials to steer the party in a new direction, was a complete shambles. The actors in this charade would probably have given Lupita Nyong'o a run for her money in the Oscars. And not only because of their skin color!
Right before the casting of votes began, these hooligans descended on the ballot boxes, ripping them apart and destroying them, putting to a premature end the entire electoral process. The dressing of these goons would probably have earned them 'Best-dressed supporting cast', if ever there was such an award. The look on their faces and the viciousness and boldness with which they did their side job was legendary. These guys must have known the stage was all theirs...I'm talking Lights, Camera Action! Now the whole exercise has cast a dark shadow on the party and its credibility and much needs to be done to restore its image as the leading opposition party. But what needs to be done?
First, swift investigations need to be carried out and overseen to the end to bring the culprits to book. But this will be tough because senior party officials are probably involved....and this can never come to light! The party will likely employ the age-old tactic of buying time till this is forgotten.
Second, reconstitute the systems and structures responsible for the party elections, presumably the secretariat. How this will be possible without first finding out those responsible for the mess escapes me.
Lastly, have a meaningful, positive and captivating message! And perhaps this is one of the things that the new, young leadership was to bring on-board. There is much they can spin off of Jubilee's misdeeds and use it to garner fresh support from disillusioned Kenyans.
No comments:
Post a Comment