Political vandalism : cowardice or positive democracy?

Election campaigns such as the one we are intensively involved in are undoubtedly allowing citizens to make better choices.   If that was all the election brought that in itself should be considered a success. 

But recently, walking the streets, I have noticed many posters that have been torn sometimes the eyes of the politician depicted.  What is this trying to tell us?   Is this a harmless political cowardice, not willing to debate, only to vandalise, or is this merely a new form of political competition that should even be encouraged?  Where will this new political vandalism take us?  but will this suspicion only end on the streets or will lead into violence when it is not address before polls?

Some UMMA party agencies whom I met in Khartoum told me they always display posters at night because during the day they would be followed by security intelligence that at the end beat them up. “We put the posters at night because of the security they always beat us when they arrest us” said one of them who requested anonymity.

The state media which has the widest coverage seem to be concentrating on the ruling parties only. In Khartoum it is the National congress Party (NCP) that enjoys full coverage by Sudan television while in the South, South Sudan television gives attention to the Sudan’s People Liberation Party (SPLM) and the candidates nominated by the respective ruling party to run for various political positions.

According to the National Election Act 2008 any candidate or political party during the election campaign shall be afforded access to use all means of communication media without discrimination. Respect for each other by political parties is reiiterated as the only way for peaceful elections next month.  The media must give give equal exposure and access to political candidates.   Candidates or political parties may not act or use statements that are intended to obstruct or incite violence towards other election candidates or parties.

In Upper Nile State recently the Sudan People Liberation Army (SPLA) soldiers tore down Independent candidate Dr. Lam Akol’s posters from the streets and there was a wild reaction from the party supporters and lives were sadly lost.

The National Election Commission (NEC) has to take tough measure to prevent such provocation that clearly has the potential to turn into violence.  The security forces must also play a neutral role in ensuring that these NEC rulings are respected by all political parties.