SAYS BALLOTING SYSTEM IS A
WELCOME DEVELOPMENT
“Each
generation must, out of relative obscurity, discover its mission, fulfill it,
or betray it – Frantz Fannon.
The
Education Rights Campaign (ERC), Lagos State University Chapter, applaud
Lasuites for demonstrating that there is power in unity. Our ability to unite
against all odds makes us stronger. Moreso, the events of the past few days
have shown that Lasuites are prepared to defend the independence of their union
against any internal or external threat. Therefore, it is important to put
things in right perspective and that is why ERC considers it necessary to put
forward this statement.
The
demand of the mass of students for an alternative system of voting is genuine and
we fully support and identify with it. Every human learn from experience. Based
on experience, Lasuites are not wrong to reject the e-voting system on the
basis of suspicious manipulations and failure of the system in recent time. Although
this failure might be seen from the perspective of ICT error but nevertheless
error is error. In order not to further
toy with the election process, the quest for alternative system of system is
inevitable and justified.
To
be clear, similar dissatisfaction and suspicion of manipulation which Lasuites
have variously expressed exists on other campuses where the e-voting system is
in practice. A major drawback of the e-voting system is that students or the
students union does not own nor control the technology and software. These are
primarily under the control of the authorities and the consultants employed for
the purpose. Also the e-voting system places considerable difficulties on the
path of candidates who may wish to challenge the outcome. Consequently, the
e-voting system gives undue advantage to the authorities to manipulate the
process in favour of their preferred candidates.
Now
an agreement has emerged to employ the ballot paper system much to students’
relief. However for us in the ERC, this would not automatically mean that all
election manipulations crisis are over or that the authorities would still not
be able to influence the elections. Students must understand that by agreeing
to the ballot system, the University authorities were scared by the public
uproar against the electronic system. Therefore, Lasuites should then expect
concerted efforts to sabotage the ballot paper system in order to compel
students to agree to the introduction of the electronic system of voting.
Ultimately, an independent students union free from management interference can
only be achieved through struggle. As they say, eternal vigilance is the price
of liberty.
Therefore,
students must be prepared to defend the ballot paper system by ensuring proper
and adequate monitoring of the process, prevent anything that might lead to
disruption of the process, raise alarm on any suspicious move and report such
to the appropriate quarters. All these are what Lasuites need to do to sustain
the ballot paper system.
To
ensure a fully transparent and independent LASUSU capable of defending the
interest of students, Lasuites must also demand an end to the shady
selection/screening process for honourable members of the SPC. We must demand
that all honourable members of the SPC must be elected by the popular votes of
their constituencies. Anyone who wants to become an SPC member should go and
campaign for votes among members of his or her constituencies. This is the only
way to end nepotism in LASUSU.
ERC
hereby call on the LASUSU IEC to come out with Electoral Rules and Regulations
to guide the conduct of the ballot paper system as provided by the LASUSU
constitution. This will enable students to be aware of the election Modus
operandi.
In
conclusion, ERC hereby wishes Lasuites a free and fair election and also urge
Lasuites to be wise in making their choice of leadership.
Aluta....
Continua...... Victoria Ascerta!
Signed
Dihkrullah Aasim (Bintinlaye)
ERC LASU Coordinator
No comments:
Post a Comment