A lot of factors have brought about a dwindle in the
confidence of our politics and electoral system. What one of my lecturers
faithfully calls Patronage Politics is one of them. This is the act of giving
gifts to electorates in order to get their votes. Rare is a politician who does
not buy votes. When sweet promises accompanies vote-buying, then such an act is
considered as a type of generosity and thus, vindicating the politician.
Mostly, instead of valuing wisdom and competence, we bastardize knowledge and
experience and act like vampires allergic to the light of reality.
In 2008, the election became a horse race between the
then 64-year old Nana Akuffo Addo and the man of peace who's now resting in
peace, Prof John Atta Mills. I didn't mean to jump my write-up but let me
hasten to add that the former was to taste defeat at the hands of a calmer
opponent, compassionately called Asomdwe Hene (king of peace). Asomdwe Hene
preached the message of positive change, while Nana Addo hoped the achievements
of his predecessor, Former President Agyekum Kufuor could manifest a great
impact in determining the elections' outcome. He utilized the slogan "we’re
moving forward" and he and his sympathizers used a kangaroo dance where they'd
bend their hands (like they're about to dive into a swimming pool) and hop
forward. Little did he know that the Voltarians had touched tongue with the
index finger and pointed it to the sky (a gesture of unfailing promise) to
bring back the NDC to power, though the flag bearer wasn't a son of
the land.
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| 2008 general elections; New Patriotic Party(NPP) and National Democratic Congress(NDC) |
One of the independent candidate aspirants for the
presidential election, who was later disqualified, organized a rally at Helu;
the capital of the conglomerate of Fodome villages. By then, I was in the
senior secondary school, and school had gone on recess so that those eligible
could go home and exercise their franchise. Though I wasn't 18, par my mother's
advice with the issue of my safety a topmost concern to her, I had come home.
Anytime there were rallies, whether we would vote for whoever was organizing it
or not, we still attended so we would benefit in case they were giving out some
freebies ranging from party T-shirts to even cars. Sometimes, I wonder if the
old Fodome women would've treated expensive and valuable freebies the way they
treated the less expensive ones. For example, on many occasions, I've seen
brand new (mostly NPP) T-shirts function as farm gears or working clothes. One
shouldn't blame it on education because even in the universities, until 'Item
13 is fully assured' is heard, one is 90% likely not to participate in the
event that's been publicized.
Turn out wasn't too low. But it was impressive. About some
thirty to fifty people had flooded the market square. Though, they were
obviously not going to vote for him, it didn't mean they should miss out on the
chance of receiving gifts. After all, isn't it said that when the moon is
shining, even the cripple wants to go for a walk?
His campaigners, well-clad in brand new white shirts
and blue jeans trousers didn't want to disappoint the aspirant so they employed
all kind of propaganda messages to convince the people come for the rally. They
said that NDC means National Demolition Congress and their mission was to
demolish the progress of the country (whatever that meant). The NPP wasn't
spared. Our dear campaigners also claimed NPP meant New Patapaa Party, and CPP meant Confused People Party. The promises and propaganda all alike fell
on deaf ears and once the people dispersed, they forgot about him though they
had gleefully accepted gifts and more. His own campaigners, even before his
disqualification, were seen campaigning overwhelmingly for Prof Mills. For the
sake of public peace and security, may this victim of political betrayal's name
be withheld…
That was how politics, particularly campaigning looked
like two general elections ago. Though things may not have changed much, one
must also admit a certain deterioration in our needs, and the way things are
done lately. Our expectations have drifted from the Politics of Betrayal to the
materialization of greed and instant justice. Never have we expected and
imagined contract killings, acid pouring, ISIS joining, Muslim youth clashing
with traditional authorities, Fulani headsmen clashing with local folks, fuel
prices and electricity tariff increase, and other similar "kakais" to
usher us into an election period. Initially, we just hoped for some freebies,
but now, instead of hoping, lives are taken by some unscrupulous people,
politically or non-politically motivated and "this is bad for our
democracy", as Prosper Afuti puts it.
In the absence of love, tolerance, peaceful discourse,
and also the lack of professionalism that mars the quality of our security services,
one should get ready to cross the desert to Spain should things get critical. The
only freebie I hope for is a power bank because I think dumsor is just taking a
nice nap and would wake up after the elections. Thank You.
