Campaign and Awareness: Where is the Dividing Line?
By Olufunmilola Oludare
A particular colleague brings a smirk to my lips each time I reminisce on the memories of his over-the-top greetings. His face would stretch into a grin from ear to ear, and he'd greet me with his signature enthusiasm: 'My leader! Capacity! Sagacity! Na you o my boss!' Like he'd just discovered the secret to eternal joy, and I was the reason why. This was supposed to make me happy but it got me thinking instead. I wondered why someone that barely spoke to me in the past would suddenly start greeting me that way. I couldn't help but wonder if this guy had a thing for me, but something didn't add up. "Boss" just didn't seem like the right term of endearment, I mean, who calls someone they like "boss"? I'd rather be called "my love" or "sweetheart", to me they're what affection sounds like. I waved aside the thought; there was surely something else coming.
This is the initial phase of students politics in UI, one of my unapologetic politician friend barefacedly calls it propaganda. Now, you'd recall how it all starts. It starts with an unsuspecting but expecting student body; elections are coming in the second semester but it's not here yet. Therefore, everywhere gel, everywhere marama, nobody is suspecting so, this is the time to sneak into the minds of intellectuals”, the time to create “awareness” but not for an immediate cause; something bigger is coming. Indeed, what lies behind 6 is greater than 7 but, the average uite will not see it, most are only about someone's sudden interest in them, questioning the new-found friendship is the least on their mind. Later on, they discover that they have the same relationship with 90 others, perhaps, he's just an influencer who happens to know a lot of people. But, no, he is spreading his gospel from the roots, no rush, no pressure, he is laying his bed now so he can lie on it later.
At the start of second semester, they eventually let you in on their plans, “I'll be running for UI'SU PRO, what do you think about it? He's not asking you to vote for him, at least not yet, he just wants your advice as his dear friend. While this is not bad, it blurs the lines between creating awareness and campaign. Except if you have a close friend running for the same position, you'd be obliged to vote him in, whether or not he's suited for the position. Now, why are they pitching their aspirations to you? Why are they telling you that the UI-SU week would be better off with people like them in the planning committee? Is that not enough hint that they are running for a position at the union and your vote should be theirs? In hindsight, you'd have realized why they seemed so interested in you, not a day passing without asking if you have eaten.
Quite frankly, we do not mind these tactics, given the time crunch student-politicians face between the actual campaign and elections. With limited time to unveil their intentions, it's no surprise they hit the ground running. While we don't mind their posters of 'Shalewa is coming' or 'Tanwa is the one', it must be done responsibly. Defacing of walls and pedestrian walkways is not the nicest way to communicate political intentions, notice boards across the school should be utilized and properly engaged. Needless to mention, the first semester is a mix of activities that blur the lines between campaigning and awareness; the distinction gets lost in the chaotic race to get as much publicity before the election.
Perhaps , it's time to pass a law that clearly defines the line between campaigning and awareness. After all, that's what laws do, to provide clarity where there's ambiguity. With such a law in place, everyone would know what's expected of them and what crosses the line. No one could claim ignorance about what's allowed and whatnot, making the whole process more transparent and fair.
A proper electoral act would do us a great deal and neither the UI-SU nor the SRC have to break their backs to make this happen. If a full-fledged act isn't feasible, a dedicated section in the constitution outlining electoral conduct during election periods would suffice. While the Student Union Electoral Commission is constituted annually to oversee elections, having a clear, written law that spells out the dos and don'ts would provide the needed clarity and consistency.
At the end, the race for political power persists, for who will lose and for the victorious alike, however, the electorates are pedestals below that power; the only right they wield is that of voting which only becomes power when exercised rightly. Till then, we await the next wave of leadership.
