There is some who says its a democratic deficiencies to have Independent candidates for Parliament and elsewhere. I differ on that, but it does have consequences. The Independent candidates or aspirants are in more tighter races fighting for the same electorate as the one who one the primary election. Some, are the same, which ironically who didn’t vote for you in the first place.
The Independents who run as Independents all along is different. They have decided to run on their own merit and stand alone. Instead of abiding by a party or even nominating themselves there. That is always a risk. A candidate is most likely never running alone for the office. There would be others vying for it and in any competition. There is some winners and some losers. Which is the reasons why the party losers have turned independents.
The ones saying this is a misstep and misfortunate… well, this is the system and the electoral laws allows it. The parties, the codes and the supposed goodwill dies with this. That is because of the price in the end. The fortune and the bounty of getting into Parliament is so big. Not only titles and a public office. However, an MP get money, allowance, SUV and perks, which other jobs wouldn’t offer. Unless, you was hired to be a CEO or CFO of a major corporation.
These Independents are running because they have the funds to pay the nomination fee. Even if it is 3 millions shillings. They have the hope that even if they lost in their preferred party. They will have gained enough support and has a second shot of winning in the General Election. That means the Primary was only a pit-stop. Instead of a final nail in the coffin. This is why some complain.
The folks who complain about that wants politicking to be a gentleman’s game. Nevertheless, that has never been the deal. The game of politics isn’t all about showing a facade and a bunch of mannerisms. It is also about naked ambition and greed. When you know at the end of the day, the ones winning could get wealthy. Could afford mansions and own businesses because of it. They will vie a second time. Even if that insult their “mother” party and where they belong.
The aspirant for MP should show loyalty and accept the loss in grace. There should be another term and another opportunity for the person to run. Still, that would humble a person and if the person already has had office. They know the opportunities and the envelopes in the future. With that in mind, the person will not risk losing that. Especially, just to show a gentleman’s agreement and give way. No, there is to much money at stake to give that away for free.
This is why the losers of NUP, NRM and so fourth has gone Independent. They know what they could get, if they get elected in the General Election. They don’t want to loose out of the feast. These want to eat of the fine dining tables. Be hosted like dignitaries and live lavish on the spoils of the state. Who cannot understand that? Especially, if they have already been there and knows what they could get?
It would be foolish to give away a Michelin Meal and instead eat at a junk-food joint. You would pick the fine dining and enjoy the abundance of excellence. That is if you have a shot of it. It just makes sense that way.
The ones who wants this practice stopped. Needs to amend the electoral laws. Nevertheless, the opportunists will take a bit and see if they can pull it off. I don’t blame them, but they have already lost once. What make you think you will win on second round? Expecting on powerful punch and K.O. Good luck with that. Peace.
MinBane 