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Ms. Mawa Kamara of Minnesota
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Sometimes last year, we found ourselves in the middle of an intensive discussion for the purpose of searching for a viable candidate to represent the Mandingo Community in the Jr. Senatorial by-elections for Montserrado County, Liberia; in the process, there were tremendous political- disconnect within our Community to the extent that the debate nearly crumble our unity.
Fortunately, elders and stick-holders of the Mandingo Community took advantage of their wisdom, cultural and traditional norms to pacify the situation.
But yet there were some hot--feelings and misconceptions developed amongst ourselves in the process, which lasted for quite some time until recently, when one of the major actors, bro. Abe Kromah, a stick-holder and also one of the influential leaders within our community came up and shouldered the blamed, took responsibility and apologized for whatever unfortunate resentments that were created by said discussions. Many within our Community including myself applauded Mr. Kromah for his wisdom and steadfastness as a Community leader. I think bro. Kromah's action was the right-step in the right-direction. Although, we have no acknowledge of what may have prompted Mr. Kromah's action, but it seems to be fruitfully resonating with people in the Mandingo Community, hoping that it would help to erase or repair some of the ill-feelings or damages that said discussions may have caused in our Community.
Ladies and Gentlemen, please note that the above mentioned debate was only about a Jr. Senatorial by-election for Montserrado County, Liberia. As we continue to watch the previews of what would be playing in the Liberian metaphorical “Political Theater" come 2011 General Elections, it must be noted that there is no time for idling or being reticence but rather, to be preemptive, by gearing-up in terms of strategic-planning, educating our people with regards to the importance of the Election, and scrutinizing our candidates, lest it gets too late.
I am not sure if we want to wait till the last minute, make the same mistakes and be ready to apologize again a year later. We must accept the fact that our failure to have produced a viable candidate for a Jr. Senator position, spoke volume. Therefore, we need to learn from our mistakes by not allowing ourselves to be carried by the gimmick and the eloquence of the so-called "political scientists".
Remember, if we were unable to produce a viable candidate for a Jr. Senator position in the by-elections, how are we going to handle the upcoming 2011 General Elections?
Comes 2011 General Elections, there are potential positions in both the House of Representatives and the Senate respectively; we might be able to pull off some of those positions provided, if we can put our House in order, there by prioritizing the interest of our Community above our personal egos.
Ironically, as we speak, the influx of candidates to run for those positions is increasingly overwhelming. I learned that we currently have about (13) Mandingo candidates from the Quadu Gboni district alone that have expressed interest in both Senatorial and Representative positions in "Electoral District#3 ", which include the Quadu Gboni District and some parts of Voinjama District, Lofa County, Liberia Respectively; though I stand corrected. I think it is very sad to see thirteen (13) Mandingo candidates running for just two or three positions.
Not even to mention Jacob's Town District and other Mandingo populated areas that may produce other Mandingo candidates. I am afraid that we the (Mandingo) could end-up being victim of the famous saying that “If you want all! You may lose all". Now the million dollar question becomes, WHO DECIDE?
Brothers and Sisters, before we proceed, we need to ask ourselves few questions; I believe that our answer to those questions would help us to navigate our way amidst this puzzled situation.
Firstly, are we going to let the candidates themselves to decide who drops or who stays in the race, or is it the (Mandingo Caucus) of Monrovia that would again make the final decision on the unfolding developments like it was done previously during the selection process as to who must represent us (Mandingos) in the Jr. Senatorial by-elections for Montserrado County?
Wherein Prof. Alhaji G.V Kromah was chosen to represent us in that race, the result of which I think was less-profitable for the Liberian Mandingo Community to say the least. Secondly, perhaps, we the diaspora Liberian might not have the opportunity to vote comes 2011 General Elections, but what can we do as Mandingoes to help our potential candidates in order for us to realize our dreams, whether financially or morally?
Thirdly, is there a plan or strategy designed to avoid a potential self-inflated wounds that may hurts our candidates or impede our progress, should there be any in the process? For instance, if we the (Diaspora Mandingoes) are to scrutinize any of our potential candidates, are we going to channel our grievances through:
(A)Internet discussions
(B)Teleconferences
(C) Face-to-Face meetings
(D) All of the above?
Again, the million dollar question surfaced, WHO DECIDE?
As we await the answer to the million dollar question of "WHO DECIDE", please permit me to give my two cents advice to our noble Community.
Moving forward, as we remain assiduous in our quest for Social- Justice, Equity and Respect for the Rule- of Law for all Liberian, we must not allowed our noble cause to be engulfed by the status- quo.
In other words, the primitive way of politic of concentrating all of our efforts in one place, or a state of being blind-loyalist to a particular individual or party. I think our ultimate concern should and must be about who would protect our interest, irrespective of Gender, Party or Political affiliations.
I have no doubt that every Mandingo person is conscious of what our interests are, because it is very clear, well-defined and free of an iota weight or a crumb of uncertainty. For the benefit of those who may not be aware of what our interests are: they are Peace and Harmony, Transparency, Justice and Equality, Respect for the Rule-of Law, and the Persuade of Happiness for all Liberian regardless of Tribe or Religion. Therefore, we must be opened to encourage and support all of our brothers and sisters who may be in divergence party, as long as they share the aspiration, vision and hope for the well-being of the Liberian Mandingo Community, Liberia and Liberian in general. However, we must be mindful of giving our support to the so-called" Educated political opportunists" who only identify with our community for political-expediency.
TO BE CONTINUED.
Thanks,
Sekou Kenneh-Opinion Leader, MN
Can be contacted @ 612-207-8017 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 612-207-8017 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Ramadan Mu-barrakat!
The Fate of Mandingo Candidates In 2011 Elections
By: Sekou Kenneh-Opinion Leader, MN