Elections

The month of May brings some turmoil, most notably for me in Somalia where I work. Without going into details, it’s a scenario very familiar to those who live in Africa. A sitting government that looks to game the system such that it can stay in power and give the appearance of legitimacy. A normally fractured opposition unites to resist against the regime that holds the cards (and the military). Armed resistance is viewed as the only recourse. Civilians pay the price.

This is my third election season since I began working in the country. Each time has been tense. Each time has resulted in some degree of violence but nothing that has become widespread. I suppose that could be considered progress.

This has played out across the continent time and time again. With no systems to provide accountability, there is nothing to break the pattern. Sometimes it results in widespread violence. Sometimes minor skirmishes. Sometimes apathy in a population that feels powerless in the face of no prospects for change.

The US is preparing to celebrate its 250^th anniversary. The irony is not lost on those watching America from the outside. The hard work and brilliance that created governmental systems that have been the admiration of populations around the world are now being voluntarily eroded to the considerable shock and dismay of onlookers. The founding fathers who are being lauded, are, at the same time, having their brilliance dismantled piece by piece. It may sound fun and harmless in the beginning, but even those attempting to benefit from this dismantling will likely live to regret these efforts.

“It is difficult to free fools from the chains they revere.” - Voltaire, philosopher and writer (1694-1778)

* * *

By contrast, in the UK this is playing out differently. Voters have spoken at the local levels and the fallout is bubbling up to the highest levels. No one is trying to game the system. It is what it is. Interestingly, it’s also the unhappiness with those at the highest levels that have trickled down to the local level as top and bottom seem to be influencing each other simultaneously.

A friend and former colleague of mine has been a Labour MP in Scotland for several years. Though MPs were not on the ballot, she is stepping down as local elections in her constituency have heavily voted for non-Labour parties. The people have spoken. Though she’s obviously disheartened, at least the system maintains its integrity, regardless of how one feels about the results.

* * *

So tensions mount in Somalia. Protests have begun. Crackdowns have also begun. Frustrations are mounting. In this country, people often handle things with violence so we’ll need to watch this space. Though I was advised to stay away for the past couple of weeks, I’m now getting the green light to return. But I need to limit my movements until further notice. After doing this sort of thing for a couple decades, I have a good sense of what is safe and what isn’t. But there is always that element of unpredictability. I’m increasingly looking forward to the day when I don’t have to do this anymore.

 

“Seven blunders of the world that lead to violence: wealth without work, pleasure without conscience, knowledge without character, commerce without morality, science without humanity, worship without sacrifice, politics without principle.” – Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948)

storm clouds brewing...