Mmegi/The Reporter (Gaborone)
4 November 2009
editorial
It is often said that democracy is government of the people by the people for the people.
In simple words, this means that those who get the chance to have control over the state should be elected by the people. One must add that this should be under a free and fair electoral system.
Post-modernists like to argue that everything is relative, but that is beside the point. The reality is that the truth exists just as much as falsehood. Fairness also exists.
This week the Minister for Local Government announced the names of individuals who have been 'specially nominated' to become councillors. The principle of special nomination is the very anti-thesis of democratic rule. Supporters of this outdated and anti-democratic system say citizens with special talents can be picked to serve the nation without going through the normal election. We believe that there is no valid argument to back this system. Specially nominated representatives whether at local or constituency level are simply impostors. They cannot claim any legitimacy to any constituency at all except those who hold the power to appoint them, be it the Minister or the President.
However, we do understand that this archaic instrument helps the ruling party maintain its grip on power. That is why, in quite a cynical act really, the Ministry of Local Government announced another group of specially nominated councillors consisting of rejects from the electoral process. Those candidates who worked hard to win wards will find themselves standing shoulder-to-shoulder with those whom the voter did not find suitable for such positions.
The other much more insidious behaviour by the ruling party is to nominate an overwhelming majority of councillors from its ranks. If only the party was sensible enough, it should at least stick to the ratio of votes as reflected in the general elections and respect the voter's call. The whole system is used to blunt the very voice of the voter by neutralising some opposition voices in Parliament and councils.
However, we do not have any illusions about the current government. It has no interest in democratic practice.
Today's Thought
"Democracy is government of the people by the people for the people"
- Popular statement
Be the first to Write a Comment!
Copyright © 2009 Mmegi/The Reporter. All rights reserved. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com).
AllAfrica aggregates and indexes content from over 125 African news organizations, plus more than 200 other sources, who are responsible for their own reporting and views. Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica.
