[dropcap][/dropcap]Hon Saah Joseph of the ruling Congress for Democratic Change is a decent statesman who carries the golden heart in service delivery. He possesses every good qualities of a contemporary legislator. On top of his core competencies in the legislature, he’s a down-to-earth soul who resembles the true identity of the struggling masses. In him, they see themselves and feel their presence in national decision making. Saah, my namesake and being the first male name in the kissi chiefdom, is no small name in any political competition. Very well he understands the geopolitical terrains and perfectly aligns himself in a winnable-blue pool similar to Blue-state California.
[ads1]However, his chances of winning the Senate’s seat created by President Weah remains challenged by the state of the Liberian economy his party steers. It’s a common knowledge that there’s an economic crisis in the homeland of which elections were deferred for Tuesday, July 31, 2018. The core argument for this postponement is tied to limited budgetary allotment to fund the election. This is a caution belt to his political ambition in a time his government is constrained with resources to govern. There’s a serious argument against his candidature under his ‘Pro-poor’ policy directed at economic transformation via rational spending of limited resources. His win implies another by-election which poses a serious linkage in our already slow revenues stream thereby breeding macroeconomic shakiness.
The opposition stands an ideal ground to doom his winning chances. Unfortunately, they seem to be more united in theories then in actions/practice. All arrows of salient arguments point in their direction, but they seem more focused on political-economic management then the outcome of these elections. Don’t get me wrong, it’s good thing to focus on the economy like they are doing, but politics is also about political authority and control. This is a perfect time for them to amalgamate forces of solidarity and aim the winner in a CDC dominated terrain. “United we stand, divided we fall” a battle cry of a famous soldier in Aesop.
How can this be achieved? It’s a battle of commitment, sincerity, focus and strategic coordination. From the onset, they could have found a common ground burying every political egos and interest and launched a coalition placing a consensus face on the ballot. ANC’s Cummings would had been a recommended and easy choice to sell and that could have increased his political base and control at the legislature and subsequent elections. Is it too late? The answer is yes/no depending on the tactics and strategies which is the nature of politics. One way to do this is to organize an injury-time meeting and unanimously zero in a single candidate and take on the electorates in a tone of appealing identity and engaging personality. There’s no better time than now. The current state of our economy and the Pro-poor agenda are the main arguments you use to your advantage.
On the other hand, CDC has valid political points to maintain their political representation for smooth governance. In politics, we go for control and that’s exactly their aim to retain the seat created by their first and second partisans. Well, one would have seen it expediently justifiable and prudently reasonable, had they nominated non-seated legislators with vast experience in public sector management to fill the gaps in these times of alarming budgetary constraints. Again and again, politics is just not easy as we see it from the black and white scripts we read and write.
What’s the importance of the outcome of this election? The outcome is either a win for the incumbent or a loss for the opposition or vice versa. Let’s assume the opposition wins these pending by-senatorial elections, this makes their job of holding government to its feet as easy as ABC. No much talking and writing as the election’ result serves as an early alarm to keep the incumbent aware of their functions and mandate to lead. Even the Executive Mansion that hosts the presidency or says his Foreign Affairs’ office, will feel the power of the people with a united and constructive opposition.
Again, if the incumbent losses the seats, it sends a signal of responsibilities to the state; an alert in public financial management. They get busy with the tasks at hand and understand that the difference between governance and government lies in the quality of decisions and public policies instruments we offer. If they win which is likely in a blue-dominated Montserrado and Bong, they unwind in brag of their support bases enjoying the style and form of governance. They feel the championship and political control to lead us for the next six years while the opposition keeps them busy to deliver as planned.
Now, there’s a choice to face in this time of our history. It’s just unavoidable! Should we vote political interest or national interest? Which way do we go? Ours is tied to the historic verdict passed on by senior comrade Douglas Alexander, “Newspapers can make their own judgment in terms of who they support in general election. Our responsibility is to make a considered judgment about where the national lies.” Well, history remains our guiding principles in decision making and now is the time to chose.
Like Winners, Inc. would say “They play, you win”. Then we ask; who gains? National interest or political interests? I choose national interest!
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About the author: 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, The IMF sponsored Financial management training, 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.
