Rebellion facing parties will soon be a bombshell in governnace institutions

The rebellion by the electorate against the call for six-piece voting pattern in the country will soon be a bombshell in our institutions of governance and poses threats to dominant political parties unless they act swift and smart.

The bungled party primaries as witnessed in several parts of the country have brought about a new political phenomenon, which must be dealt with if any party leadership cares to survive or else 2022 general elections will be free for all as those beaten in the party primaries will shy away from participating in such processes.

It is worth noting that democracy is not a finished product, but a progressive process, which matures from one stage to another and may take centuries like in the case of the US where democracy has been tried and tested for over 200 years.

Cases in point are Nyanza, Rift Valley and Central Kenya where dominant parties have always had their way on elective positions. 25 years down the line since the introduction of pluralism in the country, ODM and Jubilee are facing an acid test posed by independent candidates who prior to the nominations were members of the two larger parties but were allegedly rigged out and consequently jumped ship.

The enactment of elections law late last year prohibiting party hopping, which was passed through bipartisan approach, only succeeded in providing fodder for the constitutional provision, which allows one to contest a political seat as as independent candidate so long as he or she is not a member of a registered political party 90 days to the general elections.

In Raila Odinga’s backyard, the revolution may only be put on hold for a while more so by his successful election to presidency as the NASA flag-bearer. Otherwise, in the foreseeable future elections, it will be free for all with bigger opportunities for small parties to grow and establish strongholds.

For the first time in Luo Nyanza, a sustained chorus against uniform voting has been sung for more than a month and clearly any attempts to bring to an end such chorus has been met with stiff opposition from the electorate from across all the four counties.

It has at times degenerated into violence. A good number of ODM leaders in Siaya, Migori, Homa Bay and Kisumu counties have defied the party and are supporting some independent candidates without batting an eyelid. Unlike in the past elections where one would be waiting for swearing after securing the ticket of a popular party, the situation on the ground is proving to be heavier than gear one to pull uphill.