Nigerian Cabinet and Senate is a Babel but Fact Remains: Umaru Yar’Adua is Too Sick to Lead!
The saying ‘there is always something new coming out Africa’ has been modified in Nigeria to read ‘there is always something silly coming out of Africa’. The fact that Umaru Yar’Adua is incapacitated is as clear as daylight but the Nigerian cabinet is blind to this fact.
The Cabinet insists that just because Umaru Yar’Adua is not in the country does not mean that he is not leading the country! This an answer to a court order that the cabinet decide within fourteen days whether Umaru Yar’Adua is fit or not to lead.
The Senate is reading on a different but equally wrong script too, the constitution clearly stipulate that the president should furnish parliament with a written letter that he intends to take a medical vacation. Umaru Yar’Adua did not do it. And he obviously broke the law. But the Senate is treating him with kid gloves.
Just because Umaru Yar’Adua has not been pronounced dead does not mean he is alive. If Israel was Nigeria, (with due respect to Sharon) the cabinet would have the comatose former Israeli premier Ariel Sharon as president. The late President Levy Mwanawasa of Zambia was branded a cabbage by the opposition owing to his ill health prior to elections and he went on to die in office. Is it not time the health of a leader be a factor on his capacity to lead?
A nation cannot be held hostage by the ill health of one man who happens to be the president. The Nigerian constitution cannot be that stupid not to cater for such eventuality. It is only that some self seekers would rather sink a country rather than have a new political dispensation. That is why there is a lot of debate and convoluted interpretations of the constitution on an obvious issue.
The cabinet has declared that he is still capable of governing the country! Somebody who has been bedridden for two months is not capable of running a stall of yams leave alone a nation of 140 million people.
The Senate, however, has called on him to provide a letter saying he is sick, which would allow his deputy to take power, as acting president! Please, to know that Umaru Yar’Adua is sick, go to state house and ask for him. If he aint there, then he is elsewhere and that elsewhere is Jeddah, in Saudi Arabia, not eating foo foo but sick and he is been there for the last two months. Do you still need a letter to prove it?
The fact that the north has a tacit rotating presidency with the south is not pragmatic at the present circumstances. What if he dies (God forbid), will his corpse rule Nigeria till another northerner is elected president? Desperate times calls for desperate measures.
Nigeria should not burn any more energy on a dead cert. Umaru Yar’Adua is very sick and cannot lead Nigeria now and for some months to come if he survives. He is probably so sick that he is not fully aware that he is a president. So, don’t ask him anymore for a written letter conferring Gudluck Jonathan the power to act as president.
Not even juju can alter the fact that Umaru Yar’Adua is sick and may even die! Unfortunate as it may, we cannot change this and it is only fools who relish in wishful thinking.
The cabinet and the senate are paid to lead Nigeria not to confuse it, if they cannot, then the courts of Nigeria have an obligation and the mandate to interpret the constitution and give the way forward. If the courts fail, then it is incumbent on the people of Nigeria to demand new elections.
An offshore president is a no show president!
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
France, Shelve the Burka Ban: Burka Ban in France is Discriminative against Muslims
France, Shelve the Burka Ban: Burka Ban in France is Discriminative against Muslims
A French parliamentary committee is expected to recommend a partial ban on women wearing the full Islamic veil. It seems Europe is on a war path against Muslims as a people and Islam as a religion.
It was not long before France banned the Hijab and Switzerland, against all the talk of being the most tolerant society in the world, banned the building of Minarets.
It is back to old Europe double standards. Had it been a poor country, the EU would have been threatening economic sanctions and denial of EU membership. But this is France.
The other day, a proposed anti-gay bill in Uganda elicited a lot of hue and cry from all over the world with Sweden threatening to cut aid. While the proposed burka ban is equally discriminative, nobody is raising an eyebrow.
The burka ban is aimed at a minority population who are just innocently practicing their religion. The government cited the ban as an affront on French values without elaborating. A value that does not include religious tolerance and respect of minority rights does not deserve to be value.
President Nicolas Sarkozy has been quoted as saying the burka is "not welcome in France". This shows connivance to harass Muslims from the top. His party has already presented to parliament a legislation for a full ban of the burka on ‘security’ grounds.
Since the 9-11, Islam has suffered stigmatization and demonization. Every other Muslim is a potential terrorist. It doesn’t matter where you stand on the issue. Though a majority of Muslims are against Islamic fundamentalism, many countries have chosen to ignore this fact and lump them together as terrorists.
What France has done will make Muslims feel discriminated and will increasingly view their religion to be a target of harassment. These are the ingredients that religious fundamentalism are made of.
Although the western public is supportive of these discriminations, as shown by a referendum on banning minarets in Switzerland, governments are doing little to encourage tolerance.
It is a much safer world where every other person’s religion, including the minority, is respected.
A French parliamentary committee is expected to recommend a partial ban on women wearing the full Islamic veil. It seems Europe is on a war path against Muslims as a people and Islam as a religion.
It was not long before France banned the Hijab and Switzerland, against all the talk of being the most tolerant society in the world, banned the building of Minarets.
It is back to old Europe double standards. Had it been a poor country, the EU would have been threatening economic sanctions and denial of EU membership. But this is France.
The other day, a proposed anti-gay bill in Uganda elicited a lot of hue and cry from all over the world with Sweden threatening to cut aid. While the proposed burka ban is equally discriminative, nobody is raising an eyebrow.
The burka ban is aimed at a minority population who are just innocently practicing their religion. The government cited the ban as an affront on French values without elaborating. A value that does not include religious tolerance and respect of minority rights does not deserve to be value.
President Nicolas Sarkozy has been quoted as saying the burka is "not welcome in France". This shows connivance to harass Muslims from the top. His party has already presented to parliament a legislation for a full ban of the burka on ‘security’ grounds.
Since the 9-11, Islam has suffered stigmatization and demonization. Every other Muslim is a potential terrorist. It doesn’t matter where you stand on the issue. Though a majority of Muslims are against Islamic fundamentalism, many countries have chosen to ignore this fact and lump them together as terrorists.
What France has done will make Muslims feel discriminated and will increasingly view their religion to be a target of harassment. These are the ingredients that religious fundamentalism are made of.
Although the western public is supportive of these discriminations, as shown by a referendum on banning minarets in Switzerland, governments are doing little to encourage tolerance.
It is a much safer world where every other person’s religion, including the minority, is respected.
Jobless and Broke in Nairobi? Guide to being Broke in Style in the City of Nairobi!
Jobless and Broke in Nairobi? Guide to being Broke in Style in the City of Nairobi!
Just been laid off, jobless or just downright broke? Dontchu worry, there is an art of being broke with flourish in this concrete jungle. The Broke Ass Club has come up with some Broke 101:
1. don’t broadcast to the world that you are broke. It is a private affair
2. come to town less often and during odd hours when fares are cheap
3. be out of circulation- quit former social circles to save yoself unnecessary embarrassment and financial status exposure
4. don’t stand in frustration bays in town- Uchumi House, KK restaurant, City Council, Uhuru Park, JevanJee, City Council poverty Seats etc they make you look miserable and sends brokenness signals to your detractors
5. get to know 50 Cts Cybers- Kenya Cinema Fourth floor, Uganda Hse etc can while away time as well as getting informed
6. when idle in town- go window shopping in Nakumatt Lifestyle, Enkarasha, bookshops etc and fantasize yourself having the money to buy
7. enroll in a Broke Ass Club – for encouragement, exchange fares, network for jobs
8. if you are a man, don’t date- it is unnecessary stress that can hurt your ego. Go for one nite stands when necessary. Fuck cheap- pussie is pussie anyway
9. if a gal- fuck expensive- get a rich dude or a sugar daddy!
10. if you can get a sugar mummy- jump to it!
11. don’t be cheated about money making deals in town: counterfeiting, sugar deals, expensive metals and gemstone etc- money does not come cheap, never will
12. if sly, join some small time politics, hand outs are still good in this town
13. hobnob with power brokers, they can hook you up with a job
14. Swallow your pride. There is a lot of negotiations in Brokeland and pride wont do you any good
15. be in good terms with your Landlord
16. never quit Nairobi- you will rot in the village
17. don’t pay for toilets, go to a restaurant n pee
18. befriend some shop, restaurant, office etc where you can pass time in town
19. be in good terms with the mama mboga, the local shop keeper, salon, barber etc they will extend you endless credit and bus fare at times
20. don’t ever buy a news paper, read em for free in cybers, matatus, hotels etc
21. have some financial hotlines- close friends and family who can Mpesa in a flash
22. be a recessionista- buy cheap but classy. Glamour is not a question of money but taste!
23. when you borrow, borrow big
24. don’t expect too much help from friends. Brokenness is a lonely adventure.
25. expect to be rejected.
26. avoid self pity and maintain a positive attitude
27. read about successful people who made it from scratch. It gives hope
28. write a blog
29. get to know where fries are cheap n sauce is free!
30. eat a heavy breakfast at home and do away with lunch
31. do odd jobs as long as it can give you a buck. Run errands for friends etc. Remember, brokenness will not last forever
32. quit drinking, hanging out and other compulsive habits. It will stress you for nothing yet you cannot finance
33. don’t hang around with loud mouths and big talkers. They will lower your self esteem
34. develop free and positive hobbies. Writing, reading novels, cooking, watching TV etc
35. be informed on so many stuff- information can be sold.
36. be on the look out for short term contracts- promotions, product launch etc
37. become a broker.
38. don’t wear cheap perfume. Better without it.
39. enjoy being broke, don’t fuss about it too much
40. Join Facebook and have many friends- it entertains
41. not every article you read online is useful
42. go back to school
43. am also broke, you are not alone!
44. pray God
45. work hard to get a job
46. don’t lose hope
47. good luck!
48. I love you
Just been laid off, jobless or just downright broke? Dontchu worry, there is an art of being broke with flourish in this concrete jungle. The Broke Ass Club has come up with some Broke 101:
1. don’t broadcast to the world that you are broke. It is a private affair
2. come to town less often and during odd hours when fares are cheap
3. be out of circulation- quit former social circles to save yoself unnecessary embarrassment and financial status exposure
4. don’t stand in frustration bays in town- Uchumi House, KK restaurant, City Council, Uhuru Park, JevanJee, City Council poverty Seats etc they make you look miserable and sends brokenness signals to your detractors
5. get to know 50 Cts Cybers- Kenya Cinema Fourth floor, Uganda Hse etc can while away time as well as getting informed
6. when idle in town- go window shopping in Nakumatt Lifestyle, Enkarasha, bookshops etc and fantasize yourself having the money to buy
7. enroll in a Broke Ass Club – for encouragement, exchange fares, network for jobs
8. if you are a man, don’t date- it is unnecessary stress that can hurt your ego. Go for one nite stands when necessary. Fuck cheap- pussie is pussie anyway
9. if a gal- fuck expensive- get a rich dude or a sugar daddy!
10. if you can get a sugar mummy- jump to it!
11. don’t be cheated about money making deals in town: counterfeiting, sugar deals, expensive metals and gemstone etc- money does not come cheap, never will
12. if sly, join some small time politics, hand outs are still good in this town
13. hobnob with power brokers, they can hook you up with a job
14. Swallow your pride. There is a lot of negotiations in Brokeland and pride wont do you any good
15. be in good terms with your Landlord
16. never quit Nairobi- you will rot in the village
17. don’t pay for toilets, go to a restaurant n pee
18. befriend some shop, restaurant, office etc where you can pass time in town
19. be in good terms with the mama mboga, the local shop keeper, salon, barber etc they will extend you endless credit and bus fare at times
20. don’t ever buy a news paper, read em for free in cybers, matatus, hotels etc
21. have some financial hotlines- close friends and family who can Mpesa in a flash
22. be a recessionista- buy cheap but classy. Glamour is not a question of money but taste!
23. when you borrow, borrow big
24. don’t expect too much help from friends. Brokenness is a lonely adventure.
25. expect to be rejected.
26. avoid self pity and maintain a positive attitude
27. read about successful people who made it from scratch. It gives hope
28. write a blog
29. get to know where fries are cheap n sauce is free!
30. eat a heavy breakfast at home and do away with lunch
31. do odd jobs as long as it can give you a buck. Run errands for friends etc. Remember, brokenness will not last forever
32. quit drinking, hanging out and other compulsive habits. It will stress you for nothing yet you cannot finance
33. don’t hang around with loud mouths and big talkers. They will lower your self esteem
34. develop free and positive hobbies. Writing, reading novels, cooking, watching TV etc
35. be informed on so many stuff- information can be sold.
36. be on the look out for short term contracts- promotions, product launch etc
37. become a broker.
38. don’t wear cheap perfume. Better without it.
39. enjoy being broke, don’t fuss about it too much
40. Join Facebook and have many friends- it entertains
41. not every article you read online is useful
42. go back to school
43. am also broke, you are not alone!
44. pray God
45. work hard to get a job
46. don’t lose hope
47. good luck!
48. I love you
Sunday, January 24, 2010
John Edwards: the Bell has Tolled for...
John Edwards: the Bell
has Tolled for John Edwards!
I bet John Edwards is dusting his law books and making
contacts in his former career, for his political life is a gone case. His eyes
should be trained on New York
and not D.C., at least if he is fully aware of the amount of muck he is in.
Senator? Maaaybe. President? Never. Remember the
Chappaquiddick disaster and Edward Kennedy’s presidential bid? That is how bad it
is.
Getting time to cavort with a female staffer while running
for Office of The President, United
States of America is shocking but it is not
a record, Bill Clinton got the time to romp with an intern in White House
itself. Siring a baby with a female staffer and refuting paternity is
unforgivable. Is that your definition of responsibility, Mr. John Edwards?
Worse still, having
your aide to lie to America
that he is the father of your own child is an abomination. You cannot choose to
make fools of Americans and make an electorate of them. It is a disgrace!
Reille Hunter and Andrew Young might have played along for
some time but America
cannot play along for a minute!
What will you tell Quinn Hunter, the baby you denied, when she grows up? I
love you daddy! She won’t be easily convinced and you will have some
explaining to do.
Now, cheating on your wife as she battles a disease as
breast cancer is totally unspeakable. It is callous and not many Americans can
forgive that. Most caring husbands would have not run in the first place. Is
that how you define love, Mr. John Edwards? Is that how to be family when one
member is facing a life threatening disease? I guess not.
What are the options for John Edwards? Former presidential
favorite, former political rising star, former North Carolina senator, former
Democratic Ticket hopeful…As optimistic as I am, John Edwards should contend
with ‘former’ before his name as a permanent fixture. That is for the few times
the press would be magnanimous enough to print his name.
For now, he can only afford to change the ‘former’ before
the word attorney by packing his suit case and slouching off to New York. He can
represent Wall Street cheats and home breakers.
There, he will be in good company!
Saturday, January 23, 2010
The Then Commandments (Hip Hop Version) - formerly the Ten Commandments
The Then Commandments (Hip Hop Version) - formerly the Ten Commandments
1. Yer shall have nah dawg with nobody but me
2. Yer shall have nah Idols on TV soon, its winding down but don’t be jealous of Big Brother, it is goin out too
3. Yer shall not misuse yo name in networking sites
4. Yer shall remember to keep the super date horny
5. Holler yer mom n dad if its been long.
6. Don’t commit no matter
7. Yer shall not admit adultery
8. Yer shall not freak
9. Yer shall not hate yo hood
10. Yer shall note yo neighbor’s house, cavort his wife n housegal and ride his ass
Coming soon, The lost prayer!
1. Yer shall have nah dawg with nobody but me
2. Yer shall have nah Idols on TV soon, its winding down but don’t be jealous of Big Brother, it is goin out too
3. Yer shall not misuse yo name in networking sites
4. Yer shall remember to keep the super date horny
5. Holler yer mom n dad if its been long.
6. Don’t commit no matter
7. Yer shall not admit adultery
8. Yer shall not freak
9. Yer shall not hate yo hood
10. Yer shall note yo neighbor’s house, cavort his wife n housegal and ride his ass
Coming soon, The lost prayer!
How Expensive Campaigns Fuel Corruption in Kenyaa
How Expensive Campaigns Fuel Corruption in Kenyaa
It is reported that some Kshs 4 Billion was spend between PNU and ODM in the last general elections but this could just be the tip of the ice berg as political parties have little or no obligation to file expenditure returns. Even if there was a law that requires them to do so, they can get away with filing false returns. What is worrying though, is not the amount spent but the source of that money.
Since the advent of multi-partyism, political stakes have gone high and hence the temptation to win it by all means. The most effective way is to buy votes. Since vote buying entails a lot of money, schemes to defraud state coffers have been hatched in every other campaign.
The 1992 General Elections campaign cost the exchequer a whopping 52 Billion Kshs through Goldenberg scandal. The 1997 campaign caused a huge inflation as Central bank was forced to print money. The 2005 constitutional referendum cost the tax payer around 6 Billion Kshs through Anglo Leasing Scandal that the government hatched to finance it.
Participating in the 2007 elections was an eye opener, campaign fund raising involve arm twisting business people to contribute a lot of money for campaigns. This happens at Presidential and Parliamentary elections both in the ruling party and opposition.
Business people contribute money to win tenders and to be protected once a particular party comes to power. Most targeted are Asian business communities. Those in the know agree that no political party can win an election without the contribution of Asians. Incidentally, these are the same people who win multi-billion tenders from the government. Once a party is in government, it is pay back time. It does not matter whether they are qualified or not, as long as they had contributed the campaign money, then they are in business.
Apart from arm twisting, business people who have perfected the art contribute voluntarily to both government and opposition during campaigns. Big businesses come with brief cases while small ones come with brown envelopes.
A politician who has been involved in ‘fundraisings’ in the last three general elections confided to me that those who have the money wield more power than politicians themselves. It is a kind of a symbiotic relationship between politics and big business. In the process a vicious cycle of corruption is hatched that the taxpayer loses.
Parliamentary aspirants also receive contributions from those who are operating businesses in their jurisdiction. When in office, all tenders for roads, public works and supplies automatically go to them. Often, they will do a poor work of it but the MP turns a blind eye.
Although the Political Parties Bill that among other proposals seek to finance political parties, it is yet to be seen whether politicians will conform. In Kenya and many African countries, parties are a law unto themselves. It is nigh impossible to regulate the activities of political parties.
If enough civic education could be conducted, then maybe one day the electorate will shun bribes and vote based on issues. That will be the end of high campaign spending and by extension reduce politically related corruption.
Without that, business will still finance politics and propagate corruption.
It is reported that some Kshs 4 Billion was spend between PNU and ODM in the last general elections but this could just be the tip of the ice berg as political parties have little or no obligation to file expenditure returns. Even if there was a law that requires them to do so, they can get away with filing false returns. What is worrying though, is not the amount spent but the source of that money.
Since the advent of multi-partyism, political stakes have gone high and hence the temptation to win it by all means. The most effective way is to buy votes. Since vote buying entails a lot of money, schemes to defraud state coffers have been hatched in every other campaign.
The 1992 General Elections campaign cost the exchequer a whopping 52 Billion Kshs through Goldenberg scandal. The 1997 campaign caused a huge inflation as Central bank was forced to print money. The 2005 constitutional referendum cost the tax payer around 6 Billion Kshs through Anglo Leasing Scandal that the government hatched to finance it.
Participating in the 2007 elections was an eye opener, campaign fund raising involve arm twisting business people to contribute a lot of money for campaigns. This happens at Presidential and Parliamentary elections both in the ruling party and opposition.
Business people contribute money to win tenders and to be protected once a particular party comes to power. Most targeted are Asian business communities. Those in the know agree that no political party can win an election without the contribution of Asians. Incidentally, these are the same people who win multi-billion tenders from the government. Once a party is in government, it is pay back time. It does not matter whether they are qualified or not, as long as they had contributed the campaign money, then they are in business.
Apart from arm twisting, business people who have perfected the art contribute voluntarily to both government and opposition during campaigns. Big businesses come with brief cases while small ones come with brown envelopes.
A politician who has been involved in ‘fundraisings’ in the last three general elections confided to me that those who have the money wield more power than politicians themselves. It is a kind of a symbiotic relationship between politics and big business. In the process a vicious cycle of corruption is hatched that the taxpayer loses.
Parliamentary aspirants also receive contributions from those who are operating businesses in their jurisdiction. When in office, all tenders for roads, public works and supplies automatically go to them. Often, they will do a poor work of it but the MP turns a blind eye.
Although the Political Parties Bill that among other proposals seek to finance political parties, it is yet to be seen whether politicians will conform. In Kenya and many African countries, parties are a law unto themselves. It is nigh impossible to regulate the activities of political parties.
If enough civic education could be conducted, then maybe one day the electorate will shun bribes and vote based on issues. That will be the end of high campaign spending and by extension reduce politically related corruption.
Without that, business will still finance politics and propagate corruption.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
How to Win a Parliamentary Seat: Great Tips on Winning a Parliamentary Seat
How to Win a Parliamentary Seat: Great Tips on Winning a Parliamentary Seat
Politics like a business is a huge investment. Much time, energy and resources are expended towards winning a seat yet most of it goes to waste since it is only one individual who wins at the end of the day.
Running for political office is becoming more competitive, sophisticated and elusive; many a career and financial security has been wrecked by failure to capture it.
In spite of all its shortcomings, politics is still a very rewarding and interesting career and many people are waiting to throw their hats on the ring.
The one million dollar question is, are there rules in politics or it is a game of chance? My answer is yes. Every game has its rules.
After many years in the rough and tumble of campaigning at national and local levels, I have gleaned the following must-dos:
1. Availability- the amount of time that you are physically available to interact with the electorates is directly proportional to the number of votes you will get.
2. Home support- the more support you have in your locality determines the amount of buzz you can generate in the wider constituency. If your neighbors speak well of your candidature, those who are far will gain confidence in you. NB: Other people do better convincing than you can do for self.
3. Network- the kind of network you have in the constituency is a vital head start. Church network, drinking mates, professional affiliation, alumni network, business network, family network etc provides a solid backing. Comrades rarely betray!
4. Resources- politics is a money intensive endeavor. Logistics, advertisements and bribes demands a fully loaded war chest. The bigger the budget, the better your chances. Money buys anything!
5. Generosity- generosity plays a key part in a person’s character. Generosity points to a dependable leader. You got to be creative with it though. It should come out like it is your nature rather than calculated to impress or buy votes. If it portrays a charitable, humane heart that cares for the less fortunate then you have your votes. If it is done clumsily so it looks like flamboyancy, you have no votes but an electorate hell-bent to prove that your money can take you nowhere! They say –touch a heart before you can ask for a hand.
6. Campaign platform- the campaign message is vital. What the electorate stand to gain from electing you should be summarized in one pithy and acerbic message. The campaign slogan should be catchy, sexy and romantic. Your mission should be spelt out by your campaign message.
7. Party affiliation- being in the right party that your constituents identify with is important.
8. Connection with national leaders- proving that you are connected at the top adds to your marks. Most electorates want somebody who is no stranger to shakers and movers of national politics. That’s why celebrities are used to advertise products. It is called association in simple English. If they can endorse your candidature directly, the better. If they don’t, behave like they have done so.
9. Party honchos- in as much as the grass roots is important, most parties in Africa are still lacking in internal democracy. To win a popular party ticket takes much more than a fair nomination. Connection with the party big brass ensures that you get the ticket when you win it.
10. Playing Hardball- you should be prepared beyond defeat. A lose is a lose in politics however unfair. A win is a win however unfair. Hardball means having an extra card below the table. To overturn a stolen political win is harder than stealing one. Steal if you can. Welcome to politics!
11. Timing- if the incumbent is still very popular, you can wait for the next election. Don’t expose yourself to defeat, it will adulterate your CV.
12. Appeal- try to be friendly, free and lively when mixing with the electorate. Be confident when addressing them. Personalize your association with them as much as possible. Know their names. Greet them with a firm handshake. Smile. Relate with their situation. Act like you are one of them. Give them hope in despair. Appeal to their emotions. Be an actor!
13. Propaganda- if you can’t handle political propaganda then leave it to the KGB. Get some spins to protect/promote your image. Some propaganda against others can be repulsive to the electorate when discovered. Be careful when playing with it. Always defend yourself when attacked. Don’t let your rivals have a field day. Remember, doubts are very harmful in politics, dispel them when directed at you, dish them out against your opponents.
14. Evaluate yourself- you can do a secret but objective polling to test issues and popularity
15. Be in good terms with opinion leaders- visit them way before the actual campaign
16. Be a good orator- practice makes perfect!
17. Weigh your competitors
18. Play to the expectations of the electorate
19. Take time to work out a campaign structure- have a very effective, secretive, well vetted campaign team. Even Jesus had twelve of them!
20. Advertise like crazy- have the most campaign paraphernalia, more visible and most colorful. Generate a buzz. Make your campaign stylish and flamboyant. Do some populist stunts if you can.
21. Work very hard- I am yet to know a more demanding exercise like campaigning. Be ready to go the extra mile.
22. Don’t lie- avoid unnecessary pledges that you cannot meet, especially financial. Be honest and don’t fear saying no.
23. Pray God
24. See you in the ballot.
25. Good luck!
Any left out?
Politics like a business is a huge investment. Much time, energy and resources are expended towards winning a seat yet most of it goes to waste since it is only one individual who wins at the end of the day.
Running for political office is becoming more competitive, sophisticated and elusive; many a career and financial security has been wrecked by failure to capture it.
In spite of all its shortcomings, politics is still a very rewarding and interesting career and many people are waiting to throw their hats on the ring.
The one million dollar question is, are there rules in politics or it is a game of chance? My answer is yes. Every game has its rules.
After many years in the rough and tumble of campaigning at national and local levels, I have gleaned the following must-dos:
1. Availability- the amount of time that you are physically available to interact with the electorates is directly proportional to the number of votes you will get.
2. Home support- the more support you have in your locality determines the amount of buzz you can generate in the wider constituency. If your neighbors speak well of your candidature, those who are far will gain confidence in you. NB: Other people do better convincing than you can do for self.
3. Network- the kind of network you have in the constituency is a vital head start. Church network, drinking mates, professional affiliation, alumni network, business network, family network etc provides a solid backing. Comrades rarely betray!
4. Resources- politics is a money intensive endeavor. Logistics, advertisements and bribes demands a fully loaded war chest. The bigger the budget, the better your chances. Money buys anything!
5. Generosity- generosity plays a key part in a person’s character. Generosity points to a dependable leader. You got to be creative with it though. It should come out like it is your nature rather than calculated to impress or buy votes. If it portrays a charitable, humane heart that cares for the less fortunate then you have your votes. If it is done clumsily so it looks like flamboyancy, you have no votes but an electorate hell-bent to prove that your money can take you nowhere! They say –touch a heart before you can ask for a hand.
6. Campaign platform- the campaign message is vital. What the electorate stand to gain from electing you should be summarized in one pithy and acerbic message. The campaign slogan should be catchy, sexy and romantic. Your mission should be spelt out by your campaign message.
7. Party affiliation- being in the right party that your constituents identify with is important.
8. Connection with national leaders- proving that you are connected at the top adds to your marks. Most electorates want somebody who is no stranger to shakers and movers of national politics. That’s why celebrities are used to advertise products. It is called association in simple English. If they can endorse your candidature directly, the better. If they don’t, behave like they have done so.
9. Party honchos- in as much as the grass roots is important, most parties in Africa are still lacking in internal democracy. To win a popular party ticket takes much more than a fair nomination. Connection with the party big brass ensures that you get the ticket when you win it.
10. Playing Hardball- you should be prepared beyond defeat. A lose is a lose in politics however unfair. A win is a win however unfair. Hardball means having an extra card below the table. To overturn a stolen political win is harder than stealing one. Steal if you can. Welcome to politics!
11. Timing- if the incumbent is still very popular, you can wait for the next election. Don’t expose yourself to defeat, it will adulterate your CV.
12. Appeal- try to be friendly, free and lively when mixing with the electorate. Be confident when addressing them. Personalize your association with them as much as possible. Know their names. Greet them with a firm handshake. Smile. Relate with their situation. Act like you are one of them. Give them hope in despair. Appeal to their emotions. Be an actor!
13. Propaganda- if you can’t handle political propaganda then leave it to the KGB. Get some spins to protect/promote your image. Some propaganda against others can be repulsive to the electorate when discovered. Be careful when playing with it. Always defend yourself when attacked. Don’t let your rivals have a field day. Remember, doubts are very harmful in politics, dispel them when directed at you, dish them out against your opponents.
14. Evaluate yourself- you can do a secret but objective polling to test issues and popularity
15. Be in good terms with opinion leaders- visit them way before the actual campaign
16. Be a good orator- practice makes perfect!
17. Weigh your competitors
18. Play to the expectations of the electorate
19. Take time to work out a campaign structure- have a very effective, secretive, well vetted campaign team. Even Jesus had twelve of them!
20. Advertise like crazy- have the most campaign paraphernalia, more visible and most colorful. Generate a buzz. Make your campaign stylish and flamboyant. Do some populist stunts if you can.
21. Work very hard- I am yet to know a more demanding exercise like campaigning. Be ready to go the extra mile.
22. Don’t lie- avoid unnecessary pledges that you cannot meet, especially financial. Be honest and don’t fear saying no.
23. Pray God
24. See you in the ballot.
25. Good luck!
Any left out?
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