It takes concerted efforts to achieve peaceful elections and transitions

The civil society is crucial in ensuring a peaceful and stable nation before, during and after elections. They must work diligently to instruct, correct, counsel and promote peace and unity. Their criticisms must be constructive, insightful and non-partisan.

The stakes in a peaceful Kenyan transition period are not for Kenyans alone, but for East Africa and beyond. Kenya is greater than any single politician or tribe.

In Tanzania, folks have evolved a culture of smooth and peaceful transition, though some may call it “no change” given the continuity of one particular political party- CCM- over the decades.

I wish this culture of peaceful transition was contagious across our porous borders!
In Ghana, there has been an evolving culture of decent democracy, from which we can take lessons.

No political party or politician is worth dying for because the welfare, the future and the hope of Africa do not lie in their hands but in the hands of God.

A peaceful pre and post-election period is dependent on a multiplicity of bodies, structures and individuals working diligently to ensure a peaceful process. However, it will take the action or inaction of just one body, group or individual to disrupt the process.

To politicians: Election to public office is not a matter of do or die; nor is it a matter of winning power at any cost. To every competition there are rules. Let those with the mandate of declaring results be the sole body to do so. Accept the results as announced. This is where true leadership and respect for the rule of law can be demonstrated.

Media houses have the responsibility of encouraging only decent commentary that is informative and educative. Spewing out venomous propaganda, character assassinations, unsubstantiated allegations, ethnocentrism, and
misrepresentation of facts must not be encouraged.

To security agencies: Those who take the law into their own hands and threaten the rights and freedoms of others must be investigated and brought to book. Justice must not be selective.

People making inflammatory and security sensitive statements must be warned to desist or face the full rigors of the law. The visible presence of security forces across the country will help keep trouble makers in check. However, the forces are national assets and should not be abused by incumbency.

A well-equipped and well-resourced judicial system is crucial in ensuring peace. Court processes must be enhanced and fast tracked to avoid unnecessary delays in settling election related cases. Judicial interpretations and rulings must be respected.

The civil society is crucial in ensuring a peaceful and stable nation before, during and after elections. They must work diligently to instruct, correct, counsel and promote peace and unity. Their criticisms must be constructive, insightful and non-partisan.

Registered voters must be responsible. Rules pertaining to elections must be obeyed. Foreign missions observe and report the facts. Their positive advice and direction can be helpful. Ensuring a peaceful pre and post-election period is every body’s business.

Martin Mwondha,
omwondha662@yahoo.com