By Farook Abdul-karim Sesay, a Sierra Leonean Poet and Author
Electoral justice – is not a phrase to be bandied around only after votes are counted – and those with a skin in the game and their troopers, crying foul! Because of perceived or perturbed facts relating to voting outcomes! Such a quaint and coined phrase ( “electoral justice”) should equally and more pertinently so – need to be applied; acted upon, and guarded jealously – before and during campaigning and voting! That is an affirmatively, proactive preemptive strike! For electoral justice! To make for effective and responsible outcomes!
“The silence of my friends hurts and betrays more than the noise of my enemies” (my adaptation of Martin Luther King Jnr’s quote!). This quip comes into sharp focus when we allow silence to drown the noise! The colour of our votes is that noise that drowns the silence of colour blindness – when our collective conscience conflicts with and conspires to see only loyalty to party colours!
What is electoral justice? It is not a rhetorical query. It is a frustrating and furious question. There are many slants and nuances to such a jutting question. But one stands out that defies and denigrates the present trending definitions! Electoral justice is the totality of decisions and choices made before and at the ballot stations and centres. Decisions that are influenced and shaped by colour blindness – not shattered into shards by the colour of votes!
Weaponised voting is an act of violence! An abuse of power – by the citizenry. Against those who thought otherwise. Against those not eligible to vote. Against the very foundation and fabrics of a nation itself! It happens when voters are prejudiced and parochial in relation to vested interests along regional and tribal fault lines. Fudged in colour cards! When that happens colour blindness loses! Yet the greatest loser is the national responsibility to put the country first! To attain mission possible: one vision! One destiny! One nation! – we need to see electoral justice as a journey. Borne out of vigilant and responsible acts and actions on our behalf and part as willing and ready to be cogs in the civic process to put the nation first!
For colour blindness to win – the road map is not gilded in gold. But grounded in grains of truth! Start by staring in the mirror of your heart. Let the nuggets of conscience dance on your soul. Make vapours of pride ooze through your skin. Pray that the cataracts of colour blindness stay intact like contact lenses!
As a proud citizen, a prouder patriot, and potential presidential nominee – hope and faith will be able to help me. For we will never walk alone!
Disclaimer:
The views expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author and do not in anyway reflect the opinions or editorial policy of Africa Publicity
