Rain/ Second semester is not just a time for academic pursuits. It is also a season of elections. From the Students’ Union elections to Faculty and Departmental elections, the air is once again filled with campaigns, manifestos, posters, and political debate.
A buzz of political activity marks this period as students vie for positions that will usher in a new wave of leadership. Those vying for positions have been going around to secure their ambitions, telling others to support them. Most importantly, to some, meeting their leaders is crucial to gaining the upper hand.
However, as the excitement builds, it’s crucial to reflect on last session’s Students’ Union election, an event that was meant to showcase the strength of democracy in campus politics, but instead, exposed deep cracks in the electoral processes.
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The election held on June 26, 2024, across various faculties, was officially slated to begin at 9:00 a.m. Yet, the absence of electoral commissioners caused an unfortunate three-hour delay, with polls opening around noon. When voting eventually commenced, what was supposed to be a peaceful process quickly spiralled into chaos.
Disturbing incidents were reported. For instance, assaults on reporters covering the election, candidates openly canvassing for votes at polling units, an unethical act and the eruption of violent clashes between party agents.
In some cases, students were even stabbed during violent attempts by some students to hijack ballot papers. These incidents are not just disappointing, they are demeaning and dangerous. They raise critical questions about the readiness and seriousness with which leadership and democracy are approached within a supposedly enlightened and intellectual environment.
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A Call to Action: Great IFE Must Do Better
This is a call to the soon-to-be-constituted Electoral Committee and all stakeholders involved in OAU campus politics: rules must be enforced, and discipline must be upheld. The Union, Faculty and Departmental Elections should set an example for the National election, not mirror the same corrupt practices which are often criticised in the national politics.
If these kinds of events are unfolding within the walls of a University, a community of intellectuals, what message are we sending to the world outside? That some unknown persons could invade the election polling unit and whisk away the polling ballot boxes? That a person could be arrested for disrupting an election? Definitely No.
This is Great IFE, the Jerusalem of Aluta, renowned for its principled student activism and history of standing up for justice. The self-acclaimed values should not be compromised by short-term political ambitions or lawlessness.
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To ensure a free and fair electoral process, certain standards must be upheld. After casting their votes, candidates are to promptly depart the polling area. Remaining near the polling booth not only violates electoral ethics but can also generate an atmosphere of tension and intimidation among other voters.
Similarly, party agents must stay strictly within the scope of their official tasks. Their major job is to serve as observers, ensuring the process’s transparency and legitimacy by avoiding confrontations or physical battles with opposing Agents. Additionally, the freedom of the press and the safety of reporters should be ensured. Journalism is essential for openness in any democratic process, and no reporter should be attacked or put in danger while covering an election on campus.
Let Great IFE elections stand out again for the right reasons. Let this be the season where the credibility and peace that once characterised student elections are reclaimed. Let the ballot speak louder than violence. Let the values preached be reflected by the process. As the election bell rings again this semester, may it echo a new beginning of order, transparency, and true leadership.