Parties, just like other membership organisations, should hold regularly polls to either give the current office bearers a fresh mandate or inject new blood into the leadership.
It is hypocritical of politicians to claim to be champions of democracy at the national level if they cannot promote internal democracy.
By subjecting themselves to internal competition, the leaders get a good grasp of how to handle national politics.
Unfortunately, very few political parties in Kenya hold internal elections and even when they are held they are a sham which does not reflect the will of the members.
It is therefore surprising, and indeed a paradox, when those who benefit from flawed internal party polls cry foul when things don't work out for them at the national level.
Subjecting oneself to internal party democracy is a critical block towards building a solid national democratic foundation.
Most parties shun holding elections fearing a fallout, ending up with what they refer to as "guided democracy" and imposing leaders on members.
We therefore commend UDA for taking the bold step to conduct nationwide party elections.
The phased polls that began on Friday will see the party give its members in all the 47 counties an opportunity to contest or vote for a candidate of their choice.
Our only appeal is to let the elections be free and fair and may the best candidate win.
Quote of the Day: “If by their fruits we shall know them, they must first grow the fruits.”
Kwame Nkrumah
The first Prime Minister of Ghana (1957-60) and first President of Ghana died on April 27, 1972
