Samuel Saah Karimu
From the onset of times, people have constantly sorted out themselves in gatherings and bigger developments. Political parties have risen as one of these human associations cultivating change within our governance system. In the cutting edge age, a political party is an organized body of people who share certain common principles, values and goals regarding the political system of a country.
Take it or leave it, but the main purpose of political party is to acquire and retain political power. Now, let’s move two simple steps down the road; those who run the government say Unity Party are called ruling [ads1]party while those who sit outside the government say CDC, LP, ANC and criticize and analyze the ruling party/parties generally or on specific issues are called opposition parties. For me, anybody with a loud voice and good eyes can criticize but what’s of importance is backing your criticisms with facts and realistic policies alternatives.
On the road to 2017, no one entity can win this election except a coalition of political parties. Looking at the current political climate, I can safely say that the main side of 2017 starts with the political parties campaigning to either acquire or retain state power for the betterment of society. To present a winnable ticket, all participants must respect the laws of the land and its people, respect fellow contenders and come to the debate with openness, honesty, and integrity. For the sake of my astute readership, I have managed to research out six essential features of picking a political party in any electoral system:
- It must be an organized body of people with a formal membership;
- It must have clearly spelled out policies and programs;
- Its members should agree with its ideology, policies, and programs;
- It must aim at getting power through the democratic process;
- It must have a clear and acceptable leadership, and
- It must focus on broad issues and major areas of government policies
Again, the first blush of 2018 breeds new crew to Captain the Titanic watercraft of progress from Captain Sirleaf and team. The various platforms got my Liberia, your Liberia, and our Liberia on the radar for a change. Where we stand as a people will be determined by the outcomes of the choice we make October 2017. What’s most important for us now is to recognize the progress made while voting the right officers to steer the affairs of our state and this must be done with mutual respect, tolerance and civility free from hatred, sentiments, and threats to the peace. Now the big question is, who to champion this needed change of national prosperity and transformation?
Trust me, the real solution lies just with the Liberian man holding the voting card. Your political power lies in your choice of vote. You can utilize it to have any kind of effect in your life and the lives of your companions, family and the eventual fate of your nation.. Vote the change of choice to see and stay engaged to ensure your voice continues to be heard in post elections. The card doesn’t need violence nor hates as its worth is rightfully at the ballot box. The card must critically listen to various arguments and make an informed decision on a mission to win with Liberia.
Note keenly that political disagreements don’t necessarily mean hatred but rather constructive variations in ideas aim at making society more better. This is similar to two cars at the Gateway to the Liberian Economy ( National Port Authority) wanting to reach ELWA Junction but face a choice of route to ply. In this case, whichever route the operator of the motor vehicle decides must certify advantageous conditions. Let say the operator must decide on the distance covered, fuel consumption, road conditions, safety and other enabling factors. Who arrives first or last, lies within the proficiency, efficiency, swiftness, and effectiveness of the operator. Keep in mind that the vehicle too must certify road worthiness with speed and accuracy.
Drawing in from this model of transportation, requires critical and realistic assessments of our social-political environment. Now the battle line is perfectly drawn and ideas for change are emanating from various operators of the political vehicles of continuity and discontinuity. Where we stand will be determined by honest and holistic assessments of our system. There is no better way to truly express your political voice then to get informed about your voting choices. In deciding how to vote, you should focus on the candidate’s ideas for the future. Look beyond the personalities of the candidates or who might share your religion, gender, ethnicity or place of origin. Joining and attending candidate debates is one way you can get information on candidates’ policies before casting their ballots. As a voter, focus on the real issues (roads, agriculture, health, education, energy, etc.) not the personalities.
Unfortunately for us, we’re constrained with a short timeframe to thoroughly critique the various platforms and policy prescriptions proffered by these candidates. Two months of deep-political contestations of ideas very little to determine the best in our hugely dominated-illiterate society howbeit, we’ll exercise the tenacity and fortitude to present to our people the ways forwards and where we stand in these general and presidential elections. Another important side of this 2017 is good governance; respects the rule of law and recognizes that public office is a trust to be exercised in the public interest and not for personal or political gain.
As a subject in a majority rule government, it’s important to exhibit the responsibility to be informed. So take the time to inform yourself before you engage the voting centers. Though voting is important, yet Election Day is just a single day so let’s understand that the moments before and after an election are perfect opportunities for us to advocate for issues that matters especially evaluating the characters vying for these political offices. The office of our political leadership must enter the model of patriotism, preparation, competence, integrity, and results. In my next caption, I’ll lengthily dive into each of these variables outlined in this social-political model of democratic leadership. God bless the Motherland and directs our choice for change as we embark on a peaceful transition of power.
To be continued…..
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Samuel Saah Karimu is a youthful globally prepared Liberian writer, researcher and certified public discussant with background in Business Economics, Financial and Project Managements and Quantitative reasoning blended with quality business communications and problem solving skills. Hold training in development studies, Management Information System and Forensic Investigation. Worked with the private sector on a private-public partnership mainly design for strengthening rural-health system in Liberia.
