| Lyimo:Lubuva must strive to revamp NEC, not whine about the scheme of things | Send to a friend |
| Saturday, 14 January 2012 20:13 |
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I was flabbergasted by what 'retired' Justice Damian Lubuva said at the State House in Dar es Salaam on January 5. This was after he was sworn in by President Kikwete as the next/second chairman of the National Electoral Commission (NEC). Reportedly, Lubuva said that, when he was informed of the president's choice of him for the chairmanship, he hesitated to accept the nomination... As they say, he who hesitates is lost -- and may the Devil take the hindmost! Apparently, Lubuva hesitated because he was daunted by the challenging responsibilities of the post. In other words: he doubted his capability and ability to steer the Commission to higher levels of efficaciousness and integrity! I'm aware I'm 'discussing people' here, not only events/ideas... This may make Eleanor Roosevelt turn in her grave on the other side of the Atlantic. But, no matter... In My Book of Things, events and ideas are invariably inextricable part and parcel of people: the people behind them, in them and about them... So, where does that leave Eleanor and her fellow protectionist roaders? It's been said about decision-making that, 'when in doubt, don't!' If you think you're going to be a square peg in a round hole – unsuited for the offered post, as Lubuva clearly believed in his inner-self -then decline the offer, resting instead on laurels (if any) 'created' on your way to retirement! Tamaa ya nini? Matter of fact, his unsuitability as the 'new' NEC chairman was demonstrated soon enough... This was when, speaking at the same venue, he warned Tanzanians and the world at large against expecting anything new from him at NEC. The extant scheme of things ('mfumo uliopo') doesn't allow for changes/improvements in the electoral system, he lamely 'explained.' If nothing else, this 'explanation' is evidence that Lubuva is aware that there're serious shortcomings at NEC, which need ironing out sooner than later. This being the case, one would've expected an able and capable chairman of the Commission to move in there head held high, exuding confidence -- not cowering at the challenges of the job! Such a man'd then team up with the Registrar of Political Parties and progressive activists to overhaul the electoral and political machinery, thereby restoring instilling the dignity and efficacy that is very essential to the Commission. He should, for example, actively spearhead the fight for independent electoral candidates and proportional representation in our Legislatures to their logical conclusion, not merely express sentiments as he did later. He'd fight for the right to judiciously question presidential election results -- unlike today when this can't be done after NEC declares its own choice of 'winner!' If past multiparty presidential elections have been just, free, fair and 'open,' why statutorily bar questioning the results in properly constituted Courts? Why? I ask you! Oh... there're a bazillion electoral reforms the NEC chairman could, should and must pursue, including presidential candidates having to win by a minimum of 50 per cent of the valid votes. No Sir (and Madam)... If I were President Kikwete, I'd have withdrawn the Lubuva appointment the moment he uttered those revealing confessions. But, I honestly can't see this happening... Seems the politicians and decision-makers in the helm-house of the Ship of State prefer to work with old codgers, spent 'forces,' rather than with younger, fresher, innovative, resilient, brainy and daring sparks... Better to work with the devil you know rather than 'younger questioning minds' is their guiding principle... Tears! This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites           |
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