2016 is not yet over; there’s still a lot to collectively do!
I have heard some people speak as if the 2016 elections are
over. This is inaccurate; 2016 is not
yet over! Firstly, there are certain elections that are not yet held, including
the important Local Council I elections.
Secondly and most importantly, there are still unresolved issues – call
them questions. And that is partly the
reason why there is the presidential election petition number one of 2016 in
the Supreme Court.
The prevailing thick air hovering over the pearl of Africa is
not as a result of global warming – it is as a result of the unsettled questions
on the context under which the elections were held – leave alone the polling
day dynamics. While many Ugandans have
silently felt contented that their vote counted, others feel impotent – that
their vote did not count. Some braved
the scotching sun; others braved the heavy rains especially in northern Uganda
all in the name of fulfilling their civic duty, to vote. They didn’t do this in vain, they did this in
anticipation that their vote would be honoured just like how they respected the
rallying call, to go and vote. There are sections of the population which
continue to argue that the 67% voter turn out (for the presidential election)
as declared by the Electoral Commission may not be reflective of the long
winding queues seen across the country; some people contend that more voters could
have turned up to vote.
Anyway, back to the main point: democracy begins to take shape
when the people with opposing views begin to listen to each other, think
through challenges together and collectively propose and act on solutions. Democracy begins to happen when protagonists
talk to their critics – in a constructive way.
Democracy begins to make sense when the state looks out for the
oblivious – and resolves the concerns of the few (or many) in just, fair and
accountable ways.
The state has an inherent responsibility of being accountable to
both the majority and the minority. Many
times, unfortunately, there is always an allure of disregarding the misgivings
of the few in favor of self-assurances of many. This is not only wrong; it is
undemocratic and morally inept.
Whether the February 18th election is being contested
by a few or many, let’s find it within our hearts to genuinely listen to the
complaints arising. Let’s give everyone
a fair hearing. The healing process becomes
quicker and more sincere if we create spaces in which people can speak about
what worked and what didn’t work in the polls. Closing spaces and opportunities
through which the citizens share their experiences actually makes the political
wounds more septic.
Both the state and its people must be working hard to heal any
wounds and scars left behind by the elections – and we can do it. The post election tension characterized by
distrust, ethnic anxieties, use of inflammatory language and conflict in some
places exemplify a seething post election context which each of us must
(without doubt) work to end.
As we work to end the currently existing tensions, we must be
aware that beneath this uneasy silence, there lies joy that cannot be
celebrated fused with a lack of satisfaction that is discernible on the other
hand. Some people feel that the palpable power they hold has been sapped away by
both circumstance and design. And again,
we must work to reverse such veracities.
The enthusiasm of Ugandans towards the 2016 election must now be
transformed into a post-election conviction to take the country forward,
peacefully and in a united manner. It
will certainly not be an easy ride, but together we can make it.
Remember, the task ahead is never as great as the power within
you!
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