#Article (Archive)

The race for Janjanbureh seat

Mar 4, 2015, 10:29 AM

The battle for the Janjanbureh seat has thrown a huge challenge to both the APRC and the NRP NAM aspirants who struggle for the hearts and minds of the electorate of that constituency.

Come 12 March 2015 when the by-election will be held in Janjanbureh, all shall know whom the people really love.

But before that day, the electioneering or election process is expected to unfold on a level-playing field that is free, fair and peaceful, for all to witness a satisfactory result.

And because we as a nation are known for conducting peaceful elections compared with what obtains around the world, it is expected that the same shall hold true for the Janjanbureh polls.

Peace and tranquility should be the norm as usual and the winner, as well as the runner-up should be seen as two sides of the same coin, as they are sons of the soil who wish to see the highest good of the land.

The electioneering should be about policies and what can be done to make this country a better place for all; not about personal attacks.

We are known for peace and we must be seen to be practicing it at all times.

Elections and electioneering have been a thorn in the flesh of many nations around the world, especially in Africa.

The competition for power has ignited fierce conflicts and violence between and among aspirants or political opponents around the world.

Recent election processes in some neighbouring countries have sparked violence and acrimony among the electorate, giving rise to all manners of hostilities that cost lives and property, stalled growth and development and take nations backward.

This we must always avoid and be peaceful, because after all we are kindred and one family.

We should always maintain peace and tranquility, as the Independent Electoral Commission conducts the affairs of the polls fairly and justly.

“ Wars and elections are both too big and too small to matter in the long run. The daily work - that goes on, it adds up.”

Barbara Kingsolver