Sultan to politicians: Look beyond elections

He said, “Politicians, it has been said, look forward only to the next election while statesmen look forward to the next generation. We therefore need statesmen today more than any time before, who will look at the next generation, far beyond elections.” He also said, “Obsession with elections to the disregard of the next generation […]

He said, “Politicians, it has been said, look forward only to the next election while statesmen look forward to the next generation. We therefore need statesmen today more than any time before, who will look at the next generation, far beyond elections.” He also said, “Obsession with elections to the disregard of the next generation which politicians are susceptible to, is often the greatest threat to electoral peace.”
On how to address the problems of electoral violence, the Sultan reiterated the need to implement the recommendations that had been given at earlier discourses. “I hardly need to say that our failure to implement earlier recommendations is one of those reasons why violence continues to be a feature of our elections. Implementation requires leadership, here specifically a sense of responsibility, courage and discipline,” he added.
 He lamented that too often campaign euphoria makes many citizens to lose sight of their civic responsibility and engage in acts that can be detrimental to the future of the country itself. The Sultan, who urged the electoral empire INEC to ensure that they are not only just and fair but seen to be so, also called on the citizens to get their priorities right, shun rumours and be prepared to be patient and accommodating.