In the past few days, a group of students have emerged with calls of having a new constitution before the next Muso Elections. According to this group, a new constitution if put in place will ensure an easy recalling non-performing SGC members and again increasing the number of student representation in the Muso union.
The group led by one, Bush- 3rd year economics student want the Collins Bett-Dikembe 2011 Muso draft constitution be implemented. However, the group’s pursuit for the implementation of the constitution, 18 months later after it was drafted has raised more questions than answers. Is this a carefully orchestrated plot to delay the elections in the name of getting a new constitution? Why the efforts now when elections have come calling and not last year, yet the group was in session? Is this group conversant with the process of getting a new constitution; the civic education process, referendum and finally its implementation? Which is more urgent; the constitution or the elections?
The group blames the Doghana-Dikembe led SGC of reluctance to push for the implementation of the draft Muso constitution. Another question crops up, Is the group aware the two student leaders tried pushing for it only for the Administration to REJECT it citing legal and administrative complexities in the draft among other reasons?
While speaking to a group of students who sought clarifications on the constitution issue on thursday, Doghana, The Muso Chairman openly dismissed the Bush-led group’s efforts and said the pursuit for a the draft constitution implementation is not only a misguided one but also an ignorant one
“The draft constitution was rejected by the administration because of complexities. The said constitution bases itself on regular academic calendars where all students are in session, devolved system of operation such as appointing heads of hostels which is now practically impossible because of the Accelerated intake program. Cases of plagiarism were also noted. The draft constitution is in the dustbin” He says.
Kirong Shadrack, a member of the 12 man constitution review commission (CRC) that came up with the draft constitution shares Doghana’s sentiments. He says pushing for the implementation of the draft constitution now is a pipe dream that won’t be realized anytime soon. He adds that if a new Muso constitution is to be realized in MUSO, the process has to begin afresh and will take a minimum of 2 years to form a commission, write a constitution, review by the University’s legal office, incorporate the legal office’s recommendations, senate’s approval, conducting a civic education, a referendum and finally implementing it.
The picture is clearly written on the wall for Bush-led group to see. As much as getting a new constitution is important, it isn’t a thing where you just wake up and say you want it. A procedural process has to be followed. And the process takes TIME.
After all is said and done, Elections have to be conducted as outlined in the current Muso Constitution. The group would rather embrace sobriety, reality and start pushing for the dissolution of the 26th SGC and elections conducted. And still come up with a plan on how the students out of session, specifically the 4th years will be involved in the democratic process.
But as at now, trying to push for a new constitution is only as effective as trying to drink soup using Chinese chopsticks!
Enough Said.
The group led by one, Bush- 3rd year economics student want the Collins Bett-Dikembe 2011 Muso draft constitution be implemented. However, the group’s pursuit for the implementation of the constitution, 18 months later after it was drafted has raised more questions than answers. Is this a carefully orchestrated plot to delay the elections in the name of getting a new constitution? Why the efforts now when elections have come calling and not last year, yet the group was in session? Is this group conversant with the process of getting a new constitution; the civic education process, referendum and finally its implementation? Which is more urgent; the constitution or the elections?
The group blames the Doghana-Dikembe led SGC of reluctance to push for the implementation of the draft Muso constitution. Another question crops up, Is the group aware the two student leaders tried pushing for it only for the Administration to REJECT it citing legal and administrative complexities in the draft among other reasons?
While speaking to a group of students who sought clarifications on the constitution issue on thursday, Doghana, The Muso Chairman openly dismissed the Bush-led group’s efforts and said the pursuit for a the draft constitution implementation is not only a misguided one but also an ignorant one
“The draft constitution was rejected by the administration because of complexities. The said constitution bases itself on regular academic calendars where all students are in session, devolved system of operation such as appointing heads of hostels which is now practically impossible because of the Accelerated intake program. Cases of plagiarism were also noted. The draft constitution is in the dustbin” He says.
Kirong Shadrack, a member of the 12 man constitution review commission (CRC) that came up with the draft constitution shares Doghana’s sentiments. He says pushing for the implementation of the draft constitution now is a pipe dream that won’t be realized anytime soon. He adds that if a new Muso constitution is to be realized in MUSO, the process has to begin afresh and will take a minimum of 2 years to form a commission, write a constitution, review by the University’s legal office, incorporate the legal office’s recommendations, senate’s approval, conducting a civic education, a referendum and finally implementing it.
The picture is clearly written on the wall for Bush-led group to see. As much as getting a new constitution is important, it isn’t a thing where you just wake up and say you want it. A procedural process has to be followed. And the process takes TIME.
After all is said and done, Elections have to be conducted as outlined in the current Muso Constitution. The group would rather embrace sobriety, reality and start pushing for the dissolution of the 26th SGC and elections conducted. And still come up with a plan on how the students out of session, specifically the 4th years will be involved in the democratic process.
But as at now, trying to push for a new constitution is only as effective as trying to drink soup using Chinese chopsticks!
Enough Said.
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