Do you think direct ticketing is one way of political parties to stop us from exercising our democratic rights? Do you think direct tickets affects party members in any way? Do you think political parties primaries will free and fair?

This week’s coffee bar Tuesday, participants felt that direct tickets diverts leader’s agenda to them serving their parties agenda. Most participants pointed out that most political parties will give tickets to those who fund or are likely to fund their campaigns. However, it’s noted that at times they get direct tickets through consensus or depending with popularity. Others felt that the direct tickets will not affect us in any way since we are nominating someone and not parties.

“I have a feeling that party primaries will not be free and fair but there will be an improvement from previous party primaries. This is because parties are at risk of losing their party members in case the nominations are not free and fair.” Participant said

Aspirants also have something to loose when it comes to direct tickets. All the ideologies and plans they had for community will be set aside and promote parties ideologies. For those who don’t get the direct tickets means they lose before they even get to nominations. Citizens should be given chance to nominate their preferred leaders.

We have already started to notice some complaints from aspirants of places where direct tickets were issued. Issuing direct tickets mean some aspirants are being discriminated against and citizens are denied their right to nominate someone who fits or at least someone who can represent them during the general elections.

At the end, we all agreed we should nominate someone based on their values and what they stand for and not voting them because they belong to a certain political party. It was clear that if we don’t nominate our preferred candidate, chances are the ticket will go to someone else who might not bring the change we need.

As Mukuru Youth Initiative, we continue to create spaces where community can learn and unlearn through discussions, where community and citizens can understand their roles in decision making. It’s time for change and we all must play our part in influencing and bringing change. See you on Tuesday!