Choosing between performance and failure

On Frida, Rwandans started an important period of electing local leaders in their respective communities. This is a process that entirely shapes the structure of decentralised governance in the country. The electorate has a simple job to do, register and vote according to performance or failure of the candidates. In most cases, the incumbents have showed interest to keep their positions or aim higher. There are others who are fresh contestants in different leadership areas in the districts. They too, will have to convince the electorate beyond doubt (if it’s possible) that they will serve diligently. There are a number of things that the population is looking forward to achieving in the Rwanda of today and unless a candidate is ready to conform to the advanced demands, I am afraid he or she will be wasting time contesting. Development projects The incumbents for instance, will be evaluated on whether they have been able to; lure investors, come up with viable people based projects or helped the population to combat hunger. Aspiring candidate are hence forewarned that there is no room for misallocation of resources in such an environment.A good Mayor for instance, will have helped people improve their livelihoods and lifestyles. This can only be judged by sustainable and valid evidences in respective communities. There have been some cosmetic changes, slogans and songs claiming development in some areas that don’t reflect the reality on the ground. Such people will have it rough with the electorate, for they will demand explanations and changes, a particular candidate, is going to bring. Every Rwandan is yearning to join the rest in development, so this area is so crucial. Service delivery There are some leaders whose performance in regard to service delivery, has been so wanting and of course, those who are excellent.It is dangerous for example, for leaders to take public offices as private avenues, to receive or keep away people in demand of their services. In fact, if there is anything the population hates is keeping them outside offices and failing to respond to official telephone calls.Poor service delivery is very bad and whoever has been practicing it may be shocked. People know that poor delivery of services has been going on for too long, there is a need to change that perception.People have been complaining about poor services from public offices, and this is something that has got to change. There is no doubt that the effects of poor service delivery is far reaching, and can be a benchmark to draw a line between a good and a bad leader. Gaps existing in social accountability interventions should be narrowed by the new leaders. Involving the population Socio-economic and political decisions aimed at developing a community must be people friendly. In case there is a failure in such concern, then a leader is going wrong. There is no point in deciding a project that will not benefit the population, you claim to be helping. The level of space in terms of consultations and transparency will also shape the elections-individual merit will partly be affected by this concern. Finally, candidates must know that there is no room for corruption and divisive politics in Rwanda. As for the electorate electing a leader due to sentiments, will always haunt them. It’s a simple decision; get it right for the benefit of the Rwandan people. mugitoni@yahoo.com