POWER OF LOVE VS LOVE OF POWER: THE ROAD TO PEACEFUL ELECTIONS

I was nearly killed. In a state of panic and utter fear, I hide behind the rock, hoping so dearly that I wasn't seen. I could see others at the other end who were running, hiding and swimming to dodge the bullets. Bombs kept exploding one after the other and I had this eerie feeling that my ears had also exploded. After a while, the town looked empty and was filled with the stench of gun powder. Two days ago this place was filled with life and joy, but immediately after the elections, things turned haywire. The incumbent president would not step down due to his sheer hardheadedness to clinch power for what seemed like eternity. That had triggered innumerable protests, violence, conflict and bloodshed. " Thank God!",I exclaimed and sprung up. "It was just a nightmare."

Jemi Hendrix once said, "when the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world would know peace". In this day and age, one can not speak of peace without stressing on the role of politics. Nevertheless, it seems we are gradually losing the true  definition of politics.

Politics is about commitment and devotion not unto one's self but to the service of others.  When I hear the word politics I picture an institution that  gives, empowers and enriches its members. Politics has always been beautiful, nonetheless, it is the lies, greed, deception and selfish ambition of some politicians that has tinted its image. Sometimes we, both supporters and politicians alike, are too over zealous to prove a point that we become oblivious of the maturity and diplomacy that should characterise our democracy and leadership.

Over the years,  our politics has become associated with hopelessness. But Marcus Garvey has taught us that "Chance has never satisfied the hope of a suffering people..." Thus, I believe that it is critical for the sake of peace for us to plan and strategise our elections making sure that they are credible and unbiased. Elections should not be reduced to commodities available on sale to the highest bidder. As politicians we should not only think about the next elections but also about the next generations and ways of raising the standard of living of the masses.

 Above all let's be respectful of the voice of the people, their votes.  One thing I've learned from Abraham Lincoln is that elections belong to the people.  It's their decision.  If they decide to turn their back on the fire and burn their behinds, then they will just have to sit on their blisters.

That nightmare was a reflection of a possibility, yet a call on us to tighten our reins on peace building. Some people before us have been killed for their unrelenting commitment to peace. Thus, it is our perogative to continually fight for it. For peace is not just a feeling, it's a catalyst for development. During this election period let's ring the bells of hope and if we must fight others,  let's do it through peace, dialogue and education.

Still smiling in the dream world...