Comments on a commentary
Syed Saad Andaleeb, Professor and Program Chair, Black School of Business, Pennsylvania State Uni
I must admit I was rather intrigued by a recent commentary (May 19th) written by you. It appears that you are chiding the EC to expedite the processes involved so that the date of the elections can be moved up. You end up your piece stating, "Please remember, election is now the main focus of the nation. We want it soonest." I simply cannot agree.I am curious to know, if some magic wand could be waved to expedite the process, whether the election "should" be held in the next three months. That would certainly be "soonest." But what has "substantially" changed since January 12th that makes holding the elections such an imperative? Surely no one wants to see the continuation of an era where many basic rights remain suspended. But given the choice between suspended rights and the possibility of ushering in the same corrupt bunch that has been around for more than three decades, I fail to understand: where is the hurry? If the adage "Haste makes waste" is of any merit, should this nation not be assured first that a system is in place that would ensure free and fair elections for generations to come? What is six months or eighteen months, even in resource terms, if a rock-solid foundation is to be laid? In simple cost-benefit terms, my view is that this nation does not want the elections to be "soonest" but one that stands on a firm footing that will encourage leaders, not thugs, to come forward to represent the nation. And that's where I disagree with you.
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