The local government elections must breathe life into our ongoing struggle for federalism, so that it will not die without having properly lived. Federalism means bringing government closer to the people. It means that central government must respect the cultural diversity of our people. It means that we have the opportunity to say what we need, and the hope of getting it. A centralised government will continue to send one kind of solution down the conveyor belt to fulfil the differing needs of diverse communities.
Federalism asks the community what the specific problem is and tailor-makes a solution that works.
If democracy is the government of the people by the people, it makes no sense to toss out federalism at this early stage in our delicate transition. For this fundamental reason, the local government elections demand our unwavering commitment. If the fight for federalism is shut down, the hopes for development will collapse alongside it. Indeed, development demands that we commit ourselves to an IFP victory. It is essential that we choose the right candidates to run with the party ball.