WHY THESE ELECTIONS MUST NOT BE BUSINESS AS USUAL

By Mohammed Doyo
The elections, in just a month, can’t and will not be business as usual. The business of short changing comrades by conducting fraudulent campaigns-where cheap victory is bought through appeals of tribalism, the fanning of tribal alliances, the perennial crossfire heckling and the making of irresponsible promises-must surely come to an end.

These elections are different. The exercise is not a mere routine to satisfy MUSO constitutional requirement for a one year voting cycle.

It hinges on the desperate need to exorcise the ghosts of an under-performing 26th SGC (Students’ Governing Council) and the need to restore comrades’ power that died way back after a bunch of self interested, administration projects found place in MUSO politics.

After voting in previous SGCs that were largely accused of corruption and neglect of comrades’ issues, 2013 provides an opportunity for redemption.

The union’s very future is at stake, Comrades are hopeless, disappointed and disillusioned by MUSO politics after a dismal performance by past SGC’s. Mind you, they were largely voted in by their ability to supply cheap liquor and highly diluted juice, their rhetorical capabilities during crossfire and their tribal backgrounds. The upcoming election is an opportunity for students to begin getting things right

Most important, this must be an election with an agenda for students rather than an agenda for student politicians who have ambitions for a big office and big money. What’s in it for us as the people?

The office that will be elected in September 6 elections must restore the spirit of comradeship back. Comradeship that was there during the eras of Hassan Omar, Mama Rainbow, and the likes of Garang. Comradeship that wouldn’t allow a section of the students suffer in the hands of the administration while the majorities just watch.

Of importance again is the dilapidated state of the institution’s infrastructure, from the hostels to the lecture halls. However hard it might prove to be, the next SGC must not relent to push for renovation and maintenance of these buildings.

The issue of planning the academic calendars and the official communication of the reporting dates is a critical and an urgent one and calls for a MUSO office that will be caring and fierce enough to force the administration to be releasing the dates moths before and not the last minute. Students are tired with unplanned impromptu further notices.

Perhaps the biggest threat facing MUSO is corruption, misappropriation of funds, overriding self interests and disunity in the SGC -politics of my docket’. This destroys the capacity of the leaders we elect to serve us.
The leaders we need are not the ones that ride tribalism to power and nurturing it to eat to the fullest. We need leaders who will put the students’ interest first.

Students are encouraged to question aspirants on this agenda. Those who have nothing concrete do not belong in leadership. This election is a game-changer. But only if it is about issues and not personalities.