Let’s get real. It is public information that vote buying plays a huge role in African politics. What would you say are the biggest enablers?
You write speeches for politicians. Can you take us through your thought-process when drafting such? What goals do you intend to achieve with the speech?
Gerontocracy still prevails in many African countries, and young people are kicking against it in different ways. Do you believe that we should have younger leaders from top to bottom? Or does it not matter since some developed countries (like the USA) have most leaders in their late 70’s and above?
You have been involved in efforts to get more youths involved in politics and leadership. What qualities do you believe are most crucial for a young person to possess in order to be a successful politician?
Why did you decide to go into politics?
As an insider, what are the lessons you have learnt about politics, which you notice that non-politicians don’t realize?
When you think of the African leadership scene in the next 10 years, what do you hope to see?
As someone who has been involved in campaigns, what qualities of an aspirant or candidate have you found to be the easiest to drum support for them with?
In places where people are used to selling their votes, have you ever seen a case where the same people refused to sell their votes? If yes, why did that happen?
There seems to be a wave sweeping Africa where more experienced and older politicians are losing to younger and inspirational candidates. It has happened in Zambia and now Kenya most recently. Do you predict that this wave will continue? Or do you still see the old guard holding on in some countries, including yours? And why?
Just like life, politics largely gives you what you negotiate for. One important ability needed for negotiation is the ability to listen. To be able to respond rightly, you need to listen rightly. Thinking ability is equally important because you need to critically weigh options in the course of negotiation. Self confidence can also make the other party believe in your judgement and accept.
Having a political Godfather and Godmother is not in itself a wrong approach. It is how it is done that must be looked at. A sound Godfather or Godmother would not introduce you into ignoble things. He or she would rather protect you from exploitation. Anyone who would introduce in a clause that is exploitative has no business becoming your Godfather or Godmother. So in choosing a Godfather or Godmother, be wise and be discerning. Choose to the right people
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