QUESTION OF THE DAY
WHAT PROCESS SHOULD THE OPPOSITION ADOPT TO COME UP WITH ONE CANDIDATE FOR THE 1 DECEMBER 2016 ELECTION?
The debate is on regarding the process the opposition should adopt to come up with one candidate for 1 December presidential election. In the past presidential candidates are not known prior to negotiations. In 2016 the method of negotiation is different because six presidential candidates for the opposition are already in the public view. Their programmes are being circulated and campaign is going on in earnest to promote their candidature.
It is necessary to bring such candidates together to talk to each other so that they would be ready to give way if a common agreement could be reached on how to select a flag bearer from among their ranks or by any other means.
Talks are on among presidential candidates and there is indication that a meeting of all the opposition parties and any independent candidate would eventually take place to carry forward the negotiation for coalition building.
Foroyaa will continue to register the views of each of the presidential candidates and all the political parties on coalition building. We have done the first round and the second round has started. We are recommending for all media houses to contact all opposition parties and presidential candidates so that they will tell the public what proposal they have for coalition building.
Foroyaa is of the view that no party or person has any monopoly over initiative for coalition building. Each initiative cannot be hidden or manipulated. Everything must be done in the public space. There is no need for speculation. Stakeholders have access to media houses to state their opinion on the method they deem to be right. Nobody could be excluded from giving his or her opinion and those who took any initiative aiming to exclude any stakeholder would at the end only stand exposed.
