African Elections thrive on fame and popularity, rather than competence. To develop, we don't need popular people. We need those who have track record of achievement and competence in managing their own lives and private professions.
We need people who appreciate and understand the dogmatic ideals of representation, and have the canons as well as commitment, to act in a manner responsive to the interests of constituents when elected.
We must be sure that comedians, footballers, actors, musicians and all other people who have won our hearts and admiration, have what it takes to serve our interest before making a decision with respect to giving them our mandate.
It is a complete display of ignorance to jubilate over the election of a famous or popular person, without assessing the person's capacity to comprehend the ideals of representation, and potential to serve his constituents in a manner that breeds development.
Political parties must by now move away from their "election-focused posturing" to embrace the ideals of representation. In this regard, they must be selfless enough in choosing candidates who will not only win elections but have what it takes to serve and improve the physical quality of life of constituents. This way, the candidate will always retain his/her seat.
Selecting a candidate who can win an election is not the same as selecting a candidate who can provide adequate representation and serve constituent needs. There are two categories of candidates. There are those who can win the election but will be deficient in promoting constituent interest.
The selection of such people will ultimately hurt the future electoral fortunes of the party, even if they win elections today, as voters will soon revolt against them for their deficiency in representation. There are also those who can represent adequately, but have no confidence and resources to make themselves "winnable candidates".
As agents of development, parties must look out for this latter group, cajole, groom and select them as candidates for elections. This choice is politically sensible as it will benefit both constituents and the party.
We have voted for people we "like" for far too long without questioning their ability to perform. Many Liberians have regretted today for their choice, as they have painfully realized that football icons cannot necessarily be governance icons.
In Plato's conception of justice within the state, he had a place for everybody in society. Producers had to be producers. Guardians had to be guardians and only Philosopher Kings had to rule.
Our efforts to fight the quagmires of poverty and under-development will come to naught if we do not insist on quality representation. Quality representation may potentially be sacrificed if we choose fame without scrutinizing competence in any election.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Tags:
Latest Stories
-
Misinformation and Disinformation go beyond simple errors – Caroline Anipah
3 mins -
Coalition of assembly members endorse John Mahama, promise him their votes
7 mins -
‘You believe Bawumia at your own risk’ – Afriyie Ankrah to Ghanaians
49 mins -
Election 2024: MFWA urges EC to lift media access restrictions at collation centres
57 mins -
Women and youth will make me President come December 7th – Alan Kyerematen declares
1 hour -
Akufo-Addo and Bawumia’s government favours slogans over substance – Mahama
1 hour -
Man handed life imprisonment after stabbing elder brother to death
1 hour -
Peace Council urges mutual respect and trust ahead of December polls
1 hour -
Ghana and Seychelles sign two agreements
1 hour -
GEPA calls for simplified digital systems to enhance cross-border trade
1 hour -
Akufo-Addo calls on Otumfuo as he commends Asanteman for the support
1 hour -
Akufo-Addo inaugurates reconstructed Atafoa bridge
1 hour -
‘We’ll do better than 2020’ – Sammi Awuku predicts NPP votes surge in 2024
2 hours -
Ghana-Diaspora Home Purchase Expo 2024 set to take off
2 hours -
2024 elections is a choice between the future and the past, says Sammi Awuku
2 hours