CORD leaders should get their house in order before pointing fingers

Democracy is the rule of the people, by the people and for the people. That is the definition of true democracy we have always learned of since we heard of leadership and politics. The leadership that would be expected of any vibrant society having ideals of progressive aspects.

But in the recent past, we have been treated to song after song by the opposition coalition CORD that the commission charged with overseeing electoral processes is completely unable to facilitate any meaningful elections that can capture the best wishes of the people.

The coalition has went further to threaten that they might have to abstain from participating in the general elections if the commission is not overhauled. And now any sane person would ask, is abstenance from vote the best democracy?

Reading through the 48 Laws of Power, law number 45 reads "Preach the need for change, but never reform too much at once". The wise law says make change and reform seem like a gentle improvement on the past. People are creatures of habit and sudden change will force some to rebel. And that is the the problem with the CORD leadership who are calling for total overhaul of the electoral body thinking it will bring clean process.

Abstenance from the vote which is a democratic right for citizens under the constitution would be a big blow to the blossoming democracy and democratic space we are yearning for. In their right minds, the leaders should not misuse their role in helping the people build democracy with their selfish and short lived gains. In any ordinary circumstances, winners never quit and quitters never win.

CORD has had alot of internal challenges with it's leadership. In the recent past we have witnessed alot of ugly scenes from the party that we would have expected to be a shadow government. From the roughing up of former Executive Director Magerer Langat to the 'Men in Black' at Kasarani, to the Homabay elections kick fights to the current Khalwale versus Kidero bruises,  the party is going through a serious phase, but as much as i see this problems, they should not behave in a manner that demeans their capacity to shape kenyan politics.

The party leadership has to take a decisive role to build the pillars of democracy through voting. It is said refusing to vote is like choosing a bad government. When the leaders open their mouths to utter those words, what is the impact on the voters that follow their ideals in exercising their democratic right?

Reforming the electoral commission, can't be done overnight because the problems we have had along in Kenyan politics goes beyond the commission but the greater society. From tribalism, nepotism to societal norms. IEBC contributes to a certain percentage in the success of the electoral process, but the other part is played by the leaders and the citizens in ensuring that all systems are up and working.

It will therefore be uncalled for even for to contemplate abstinence from voting because, we will be surrendering our sufrage to others who may not be a choice of our aspirations and hope for a blisful Kenya.