The Essence of 2015 General Elections
Why General Election Should Go on in 2015
By Malith Alier, Juba
January 12, 2015 (SSB) — The announcement by National Election Commission (NEC) late last December that the general elections will take place mid 2015 has generated mixed responses from those for and against. The opposition political parties are the most vocal among those against. They cited why by-elections for four state governors are not held if the Constitution is to be followed as indicated by the government.
The 2011 Transitional Constitution stipulated that general elections should be held after four years, exactly due in twenty fifteen. This stipulation would only be affected by an amendment of that particular clause so that elections are rescheduled to a later period. However, in the absence of this, the elections should take place as enshrined in the constitution.
Many arguments advanced against holding elections as stipulated; in my view have no basis. The current rebellion is no reason for elections not to take place.
No other election of any kind was held post 2010 despite the fact that many changes had taken place on the political stage. Four elected governors were removed without by-elections after 60 day period allowed to organise by-elections. Numerous County Commissioners are now in place albeit by decrees contrary to local government Act 2012 that stipulates that all local government positions should be filled through direct elections. The ten or so cities in the country are now headed by unelected mayors with Councillors who are handpicked by governors on unclear terms.
The major argument by the government and supporters seems to be the issue of legitimacy after July 9 2015. The other subtle reason is to coerce the rebels to think again in carrying on with the unwinnable warfare. These two reasons are valid arguments because wars do not stop elections in peaceful parts of a given country.
The Sudan, this country separated from carried out elections two times amid war. Sadig El Mahdi and Omar Beshir were elected amid the conflict. The elections were a quest for legitimacy and a new mandate to continue the war or bring peace. Those are not the only reasons for the upcoming elections. Other pertinent reasons abound.
The upcoming election is a cleanup exercise. Not to mention again the tenure of unelected governors, many MPs in both Houses of parliament are hanging by the thread. The Abel Alier era septuagenarians or centenarians need retirement through this upcoming plebiscite.
You have heard of late that many vacancies are left unfilled because of demise of many MPs some of who were old and were warming the seats blocking the boisterous young people who can steer this country forward. The other vacancies are a result of rebellion. Four parliaments in Juba, Malakal, Bentiu and Bor are greatly affected by defections.
One meaning of democracy, which we all talk about, is the conduct of supervised elections. A viable democracy must held periodic elections even if they are not perfect. Perfection will only be attained in practice.
We should celebrate if these planned elections take place. The senile will give way for the mentally agile folks in their thirties and the result would be commendable.
The sporadically appointed local government officials will be replaced by a truly representative one after the June 30th elections. The current local government in its entirety is a section of ruling elites and could not function as a representative one.
In recap, elections should take place to test the viability of this nation on the democratic front. The nation has waited for too long the carry out this exercise to bring confidence in the country’s administration.
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