I would like to tell you about the election in my hall of residence.
The campaign started a little above a month back. The contestants were allowed to campaign but without declaring the position they were gunning for. I always thought that didn't make sense because how could anyone campaign without telling me the position they were going for. Like how?
Well they campaigned in different ways by spamming the group chats with messages and graphics bearing their names or worse their nicknames. Also they paste bills all over the walls of the hall including the bathrooms. How can I be taking a piss and I see a guys face telling me to vote for him. But don't get me started on their so called 'quotes'. Some were funny to down right ridiculous. I would tell you some but then I will be reducing your IQ .Only if I knew that it would get worse.
Three weeks to the election the contestants were allowed to declare the positions they were going for even though some of them found their way around that rule. Let me give you two examples. The first one I got it directly from him. I had a brief chat with him and he told me that he was participating in the election. I asked "what position are you going for?" He replied "I'm not supposed to tell you but I'm going for the office of the deputy mayor. Well, I thought that was easy but on second thought he just wanted to give himself an headstart which I think is smart thinking. The other one is really funny I tell you. The slogan for his campaign is "MAYORING BELLO" Mind you he started using that slogan before they were allowed to say the office they were going for.
With the elections two weeks away they intensified their campaigned and forced it down our throats. In a day, on the group chat you can see up to a thousand messages this really irritated and frustrated me. This was because there could be some important information that I would need but wouldn't even bother checking because of the numerous messages. I couldn't wait for this election to be over.
It was election week and there were activities lined up for each day. The activities included press night, contestants screening by the electoral committee and the reading of manifesto. All activities had a poor attendance as expected. The contestants went for the final lap by intensifying their campaign. They knocked on doors day and night and telling voters what their plans are. Some people didn't answer them. I did that numerous times. It was really disturbing. They kept knocking even though no one answered. As long as they say that you're light was on they kept knocking. To tell you the truth they were relentless. They could see you on your way to your room stop and talk to you and still come and disturb you. It was really tiring.
Thank God the election day came and it was time to cast our votes most of us were cajoled to come and vote. I personally went after my test. I voted for my preferred candidate even though all of them were gathered there to try in some way to influence our decision. I cast my vote alongside my colleagues and left. Voting ended by 4pm and it was time to count. Counting took about 2 hours and it was time to announce the winners.
Only one candidate went for the less important position such as sports, information, finance, social and defense minister. So it was quite straightforward. Two candidates went for the mayor and deputy mayor. The results was really tight for the deputy mayor but my preferred candidate came on top. But for the mayor it was a landslide victory for my candidate. In short all my candidates won.
There was wide celebration for the winners and also feelings of loss for the losers. One of the candidate was even depressed and was about to cry. He had to be consoled by a close friend of his.
It was truly an election full of twist and turns. But thank goodness it has finally come to an end.
I am definitely not anticipating the next elections which is happening next year. I also hope that the elected candidates actually make a difference and are not just figure heads.
At this junction I would like to appreciate my sponsors and I would also like your support.
Till next time I share one of my experiences with you. I hope it is one I do enjoy.