With virtually all set for MAPOLY to decide who among the students they would cherrypick to become their face in the eyes of the management and the eyes of external bodies, the hottest topic, the buzz, the frenzy in school all tilt towards this all-important event.
More so, to think that the last time we had such decisive event take place in the school was two years ago make this somewhat an interest-piquing one to look up to. Perhaps, the picture should be made a bit clearer, for the present sets of students, only if your matric number has the year 2016 would you have experienced an SUG in MAPOLY, save for those who had their National Diploma previous years and who are back to continue from where they left off – save for them. That is alternatively the gap that has been left behind over the years as per the existence of a Student Union Government – although COVID-19 could be fingered as one of the culprits.
A retrospect at the last election that saw Samson Omoniyi aka Heritage Led Administration emerged supreme would detail to you that in the history of campus politics, that election ranks among the most peaceful, fair and innovative elections ever. That election was good advertisement for the school and would continue emblazoning itself in history as epochal.
Thankfully, this was not an election far-off from the school. This was not an election that needs us to travel beyond the gate of the school to consult authorities on how it was done. This was not an election that would necessitate us to whip out phones, subscribe to data plans, and watch videos upon videos upon videos to have a solid grasp of how this could be carried out. This was an election that was indigenous. We created, we made it happen, we saw it off. With this, a succession is expected for there to be a continual of the glory we have created for ourselves as a school who pays heed to the tenets of election. It is only expected that we continue and consolidate on our antecedents in perpetuating a peaceful, fair and innovative election process.
While you would take that as one of prosin pursuance with the coming election, the big question is: would the use of the electoral college be counted as a pro or a con?
Undoubtedly, this has been the grouse from stakeholders aside the management about this year’s election, especially if you are from this part of the world. The electoral college, quite a norm in the United States of America, is very alien to Nigerians, such that it is more or less viewed as a disenfranchisement. The management citing COVID-19 safety precautions as a basis for this improvisation, however debatable that is, is a topic for another day. The reality gazing at us is that delegates from each school, 40 in total, will decide thousands of students’ fates on whom and whom not to give power to.
The engagement of electors, which in the school’s context are called delegates, has one bright side to it: the fact that each unit is afforded equal representation. Although you would argue that humans are different, and we all have our respective decision-making qualities, as such, the tendency that a particular delegate is not representing a unit’s choice or a particular set of people’s choice in that unit is an ever-established drawback of electoral college. How then do you reconcile the people’s choice with the delegates’ choice? While that will never be straightened out as far as electoral college is concerned, nobody has a justification to cry foul that their unit wasn’t afforded equal representation. It then boils down to the votes of these delegates fueled by an electoral process made free, fair and peaceful, such that these delegates are not bought over by fear or favour in representing their units and electing into offices the best candidates.
Kudos must be channeled to the school’s own version of INEC, the Students Union Electoral Committee (SUELECO) who arguably has done a good job to keep the list of these delegates undisclosed to the general public in order to avoid compromise of the ideal qualities of an election. Though some might argue that inasmuch as these delegates are students, their identities to some extent can be uncovered. While that is arguable, Press Club MAPOLY would rather take the position of trusting the body to do all it takes to ensure that their identities are kept undisclosed for there to be a smooth and ideal election process before, during and after July 14.
With plans to bring on board requisite bodies: the press, the agents chosen by the candidates themselves as observers and security officials, the chances of having a compromise as far as the electoral process is concerned is few and far between. With the responsibility of the press to tell the truth and report facts, with the agents present for the interests of their candidates, paying attention to even the fly that buzzes the room, with the security officials heavily present to ensure that security breaches that might compel rigging of the election does not rear its ugly head, we have on paper an ideal election to look forward to. Needless to say that one of the pluses of the electoral college system is a quick release of results.
The charge will be to each delegate to not compromise their integrity and not disappoint the mass of students they are representing in voting for a candidate for any reason outside the plans the candidates have for the students. It would speak ill of them because the brunt of the decision whether good or bad, whether noble or ignoble would be suffered and enjoyed by all and sundry. It is a decision whose fruits is inevitable for the next six months or therebabouts in the void 0f the next election.
To the electoral body, this is an appeal to be fair and credible with the process that decides to a large extent the fate of most students. We are substantially certain that you understand the significance of this election, hence, it is in our interest you continue from where you left off the last election, giving us an election we would all be proud of.
To the agents, your interests are personal and noble. Beyond this, it would be a big advantage to all and sundry for you to stand for the truth and the right process, and most importantly be a truthful observer and a peaceful stakeholder.
To the security bodies, what is an election without security;that is before, during and after the process? There is a precedence that has been set, and we believe that this coming election would be more peaceful and freer than the previous one.
To the candidates, you must have heard of the popular lingo: Election is no do or die affair. We believe you are all gentlemen and dignified ladies. The fact that you braved all odds to still stand out among the students populace and avowed to the students your willingness to lead them is enough win. You are all MVPs, and your names forever live in the minds of students who see you as true leaders. Whoever gets the baton to lead should be seen the way it is. It does not make you a loser neither does it make the other person a winner. It makes us all humans, knowing that we need each other to survive and thrive.
To the students, your respective choice and favorite candidates are venerable men and women, and invariably will like to lead their likes. While you won’t be allowed into the school premises, wherever you are, one thing binds us together is studentship. The bond should continue being there, looking out for one another beyond election. Because the truth is: if ever we would grow, we would grow in unity; not in division.
