Neutrality and prejudice
The Electoral Commission has been busy constituting a so-called steering committee. And everyone else has been wondering what use the steering committee would serve – leading some to even conclude sarcastically that the commission can hand over its duties to the committee if it wants to.
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The major dividing point here has been the question of who qualifies to be a member of the steering committee. Some persons have kicked against the committee on the premise that some appointed persons are sympathetic to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and, therefore, should not be allowed on the steering committee. It has been suggested that neutrals be brought on board.
That sounds familiar- neutrals- objective persons – non-compromising persons and so on. For starters, there seems to be a thinking inherent and ingrained in our politics that someone with a political background or a supporter or card bearing member of a political party can do nothing other than serve the interest of the society and grouping to which he belongs.
Let me admit by saying that in our part of the world, it is a difficult thing to do. We have heard Bugri Naabu accusing President Mahama of not ensuring that Kokombas are represented appropriately in his government.
He stated: “I wondered why the John Mahama-led NDC administration has not found any of the seven Konkomba NDC Members of Parliament worthy of occupying any position in government.”
We have heard the Okyehene bemoan the lack of appointment of Akyems in government. The respected ruler noted that there was no one who speaks for them in government.
We have heard persons from specific areas of the country make a case for the appointment of specific persons into government.
The ultimate aim is that these persons would bring some form of benefits to their “people”. And when such expectations are dashed, we find people protesting, threatening mayhem and warning the President or whoever it is to remedy the situation or face their wrath come Election Day. Oh, let’s not forget the influence of the chiefs of the Western Region in the appointment of an energy minister.
So it is difficult in our part of the world to be a member of a group or political party and not expect pressures from within the group requiring you to do something in their favour.
But thankfully, that is not the full story. It is possible to be a member of a political party or association and still act over and beyond the parochial interest of those groupings and association.
The classic demonstration of this trait in recent times was ex-President Kufuor. It was in the immediate aftermath of the 2012 presidential elections. His party had just lost the election. There was a lot of bitterness in the air.
The party was busy in court trying to get the election results annulled. The Members of Parliament of his party had decided to boycott proceedings in Parliament in support of the New Patriotic Party. It was January 7, and it was time for the President to be sworn in.
Scores of supporters gathered in front of his house prevailing upon him not to turn up. He stood his ground, and in spite of all the protest, made his way to the independence square.
The idea and notion of persons being disqualified from serving in a particular position because of their past involvement in and with a political association is not wholesome for our politics.
It is possible for openly known political figures to serve in independent commissions and public offices; and act so independently that there will be no trace of their previous political leanings and associations.
Everyone has a history and a past. People should come from somewhere and belong to one political grouping or the other. But that should not be the basis for arguing that they cannot serve in an independent capacity.
It is still possible to be political and be respected across the board – unless, of course, it is something we do not desire.
Let me state again – it is possible to be of a particular political persuasion and still be neutral and efficient whiles acting in a particular capacity.
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