Of Political Distractions and the Absence of Regulations
Olanshile Ogunrinu
As the second semester kicks off, the Association of Faculty of Arts Students (AFAS) and the University community, in general, find themselves in a subtle yet persistent challenge—the early emergence of aspiring student politicians eyeing key positions in the association and union. Graphic banners and fliers welcoming students back to campus, both online and physically pasted at strategic locations in the university environment, subtly bearing the aim of the creator: Mission to PRESIDE over the students; Assisting the Generality of the Students, are some of the tricky cliches that may be devised by aspirants vying for the position of President and the Assistant General Secretary respectively. This phenomenon raises questions about the impact of premature campaigning on the political landscape within the faculty and emphasises the need for robust regulations to curb such activities until the official ban on political activities is lifted by the electoral commission.
In recent years, it has become a common trend for ambitious students in the university to initiate subtle campaigns well before the official commencement of the electoral season, as far as since the beginning of the first semester for some. This premature political manoeuvring, often disguised as casual discussions and engagements through the aforementioned graphic banners, creates an atmosphere of political distraction within the faculty. As students gear up for the academic challenges of the new semester, premature political posturing threatens to divert attention from core academic pursuits and compromise the integrity of the political process.
The absence of strict regulations on early campaign activities contributes significantly to the perpetuation of this issue. While the constitution mandated the electoral commission to draft the timetable for the electioneering activities which includes campaigns, it did not specify what should be the punishment for campaigning before the ban on electoral activities is lifted. Unlike in the faculty of Education where clear guidelines and penalties are in place to deter premature political campaigning, AFAS lacks a stringent framework to address such violations. The vacuum in regulatory measures allows aspiring student politicians to exploit the grey area between permissible engagement and premature campaigning, fostering an environment where the boundaries of acceptable behaviour become increasingly blurred.
One of the key consequences of this unchecked behaviour is the erosion of fair competition within the electoral process. Students who adhere to ethical standards and patiently wait for the official campaign season often find themselves at a disadvantage against those who engage in early political manoeuvring. The lack of consequences for violating the pre-election ban emboldens some aspirants to flout the rules, leading to an uneven playing field where some candidates gain undue advantages while others are at a disadvantage for adhering to the established norms.
The persistent distraction caused by premature political campaigns in the faculty not only hampers academic focus but also shifts students’ attention away from holding their leaders accountable. As the political scene becomes saturated with premature campaigns, the critical task of scrutinizing and evaluating the performance of existing leaders often takes a backseat. No one is paying attention to a student leader who is not fulfilling his or her manifesto promise. The eagerness to secure political positions overshadows the need for a vigilant and engaged student body capable of questioning decisions, demanding transparency, and ensuring accountability. This shift in focus compromises the progress of the association, as it diminishes the essential checks and balances that should be inherent in any democratic system. Without an active and accountable student body, the association risks becoming a mere platform for personal ambitions rather than a forum dedicated to the collective welfare and advancement of its members.
To address this issue effectively, there is an urgent need for the establishment of a comprehensive regulatory framework within AFAS. Such regulations should include clear definitions of what constitutes premature campaigning, along with a range of penalties for those found guilty of violating the established rules. These penalties could range from fines to disqualification from the electoral process, providing a strong deterrent against engaging in early political activities.
Furthermore, AFAS leadership (both the Executive Council and the Faculty Legislative Council) should take proactive measures to educate students about the importance of adhering to the established timeline for political activities. Workshops, seminars, and awareness campaigns could serve as valuable tools to inform students about the consequences of premature campaigning, cultivating a culture of responsibility and accountability.
In conclusion, the emergence of aspiring student politicians engaging in early political activities within AFAS demands immediate attention. The negative impact on academic focus, the erosion of fair competition, and the absence of strict regulations highlight the urgency of addressing this issue. Implementing a comprehensive regulatory framework, coupled with educational initiatives, can help restore the integrity of the electoral process and ensure that students engage in political activities responsibly and ethically.
