Party elections should be democratic and peaceful

The heightening disquiet  among  some members of the two major political alliances should not be taken lightly both by the concerned parties and Kenyans at large.The CORD’s decision  to conduct joint nominations, for example, did not go down well with the Wiper party and other smaller parties.

The coalition’s leader however came out the other day to calm the situation saying CORD would conduct hybrid nominations for all elective posts.The PM said the coalition would encourage her partners to individually conduct nominations in certain areas and go for joint nominations in other regions.

In the Jubilee Alliance, the same is being experienced with TNA and URP disagreeing on the mode of nominations.
Both parties should realise that these wrangles, which they might be treating lightly, could be a big blow to their political ambitions.

As Kenyans, we are keenly watching to see whether nominations will be conducted in a democratic and peaceful manner. If there is no democracy within a party, that   party cannot be trusted to lead the country.  That’s why parties must do all they can to ensure that their nominations are free and fair.

In the past, nominations have been marred by violence with party members and officials throwing chairs and fists at each other. This should not be allowed to happen.

Politicians are currently going around the country campaigning and preaching peace and stability. They should walk the talk and ensure that this starts right within their party ranks during the nominations exercise slated for January 17.

The countdown to the General Election has already started in what is being termed as the most competitive election ever in the country. The elections come after the bloody 2007 General Election, which ended with deaths and displacement of thousands of people.

We have learnt many lessons since   and politicians should realise that we are not going to allow them to manipulate us and to fight one another.

The electorate is keenly watching how politicians will conduct    the forthcoming nominations  in order to decide whom to elect or sideline come March 4, 2013.

We want to see the real taste of democracy and peace within the parties first.
{Nixon Kanali, Nairobi}