Our view: The political scene is at a very interesting juncture
For once, politicians have begun to realise the impact their mistakes have had on the poor communities who recently silently vented their anger by either abstaining from voting - a turnout of only 49 per cent - or by voting for the opposition.
The truth is, the ruling party in the province has openly apologised to the electorate for their past mistakes. They have undertaken to rectify those blunders and make sure it is by means that directly speak to the people.
The past weekend I attended their policy conference and lo, the kind of exchanges I listened to really convinced me that it is good that they openly spoke about them losing their grip on power.
If you do not accept the truth, you’ll never be able to rectify anything. It has been a long time since the ruling party attained landslide victories at every election as it used to since 1994. They have realised that they should not take it for granted because the electorate are no fools.
When they strike back, they do so in a very hurtful manner.
The only option for the ruling party is to emerge from their national policy conference next week with the most practicable policies as possible. The electorate are tired of promises that never materialise. Economic opportunities are central here. Let us cease having a few privileged people who benefit from all the opportunities available.
The crucial test facing the ruling party at its December conference is the right choice of leaders because should they fail, they shall have lost the plot to win back their supporters. Many names have been punted around already.
The question that should linger in their minds is: is that particular leader’s profile and track record worthy of being the better choice to uplift the country’s economy and its people? Should the answer be shaky or questionable, it would be better to cut out such a person from disgracing the organisation further.
Yes, they have repeatedly announced that it is not the right time to announce preferred candidates, but methinks it is the right time so that they also get a buy-in from the electorate. Should they dare the wrong choice, it is woe unto them.
Unity will strengthen them, factions will break them.
