Local government elections, rising poverty and need for transparency

Local government elections are around the corner. Our President, the Leader of the Opposition and all political parties big and small are busy canvassing our very important vote. Candidates are once again appearing at our doorstep. This time promising no changes to the Constitution, or bringing down the cost of living.

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Now they promise to clear garbage, get our clogged roadside drains cleared in a timely manner and make our cities clean again. At this election, most of the candidates are persons living in close proximity to your homes. These people promise to get the small but necessary things done.

Our President however is on a different pane. He is traversing the country. He claims that control of local bodies by his party is essential for him to ensure that his post presidential and parliamentary election promises are fulfilled. He also warns against voting for candidates from political parties other than his own, threatening to withhold central government funds to local bodies not controlled by his political outfit.

It made us wonder whether the president is trying to take our collective minds away from the promises he made prior to the presidential and parliamentary election held last year -bringing down the ever increasing cost of living etc.