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Political parties a big let-down

Monday, March 21st, 2022 07:00 | By
A section of Jubilee party members from Murang'a county in a meeting PHOTO/WANGARI NJUGUNA

Politicians are this week expected to shift alliances depending on how their starts are aligned. Whereas the fundamentals of joining a party or coalition is usually based on belief in the party’s philosophy and support, history has taught many aspirants that depending on these political fundamentals does not always deliver the results.

In established democracies, members grow through the ranks of a party to become elected members. In the US for example, while there are many parties, candidates coalesce between the Democrats and the Republicans.

In the UK, one is either in Labour or in the Conservatives. The philosophies underlying these formations are clear for all to see. The basic structure for the parties does not change and it explains why candidates are convinced they are best suited for them. Usually they are based on either the left or right wing, with some having the centralist as the popular initiative.

To further consolidate the support base, the parties do all in their power to ensure those they field in elections are the best. And everyone agrees to the fact that selection was done on a free and fair basis.

In Kenya the selection process is rigorous. The parties give direct nominations to those they feel stand the best chance to win an election or those they deem best suited to push their agenda. Here at home, however, majority parties are formed to achieve base interests.

They either want to cash in on nominations fees; they are founded around tribal or regional allegiances or are founded on waves and temporary machinations. This explains the reason why most parties have fickle members and people who do not believe in anything. Competition in these units is healthy. However, aspirants abhor such competition.

If one is guaranteed a direct nomination in a different camp then the switch will be fast and furious. The parties’ officials have also failed to uphold free and fair nominations and as a result aspirants are almost always aggrieved. We call on these parties and politicians to live by their belief systems.

It is unfortunate that the populace will go into the election to vote for people and politicians based on many other things apart from a belief system.

Once these are voted in it will be a de javu moment for Kenyans - same problems but a different set of politicians. It is time to rise above mediocrity in our party systems.

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