Religious affiliation undermines the selection of good leaders - UDS Wa Campus elections in Perspective.

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Religion is no doubt one of the oldest, deep-rooted and most important traditional institutions on the face of the Earth. It is a divine reflection of mankind’s craving and effort to interrogate and understand the reasons of creation of the universe, and the meaning of life on Earth. Religion is as the most outstanding basis of tradition, law and politics at the same time. Therefore, having an important influence on forming the individuals’ worldview in general and correspondingly their political perception and identities, it is widely taken into consideration as an efficient factor in academic studies and scientific researches on political issues.

Although religious matters are not constantly mentioned in the political agenda, the values of religion have always been at the forefront. Because they reflect the deeply felt human values that have a strong potential to influence behaviour that is linked to a range of social and political beliefs. Undoubtedly, studies of religion's effects on voter preferences on a comparative level have shown that despite the well-established secularism, religion has held a high degree of effectiveness in party (national level) preference at a surprisingly high level.

The view that religion has a strong influence and control on individuals' political attitudes and voting behavior has also been examined and clearly demonstrated in other political systems (Liddle and Mujani, 2007: 832-857). In recent years, when religion-centered issues have become increasingly important and more frequent in electoral campaigns not only in tertiary institution but throughout the world, the relationship between religion and citizens' voting behavior seems to have regained public interest and attention.

There is no doubt that religion, a universal phenomenon, affects the world on a broad scale from the private life of individuals to international politics, and all the research on the subject clearly shows that one of the areas on which religion is most effective is political life. Of course, this has changed some things in the political arena. In other words, as it is understood that religion affects the political attitudes of citizens, the efforts of political party candidates to appear religious are also increasing.

Undoubtedly, the influence of religion on political attitudes is a well-accepted reality. Tertiary institution and for that matter University for Development Studies Wa Campus is not an exception. Indeed, numerous comparative analyzes of UDS Wa Campus past elections has revealed that UDS Wa Campus electorates votes on religion bases in fact a recent example was Team Setho and Team Mufty when the election went into a run-off, indicating that the very student who are to make bold decision and stand for the truth. Justice and promote transparency is doing the opposite yet we sit for political studies lectures and African studies.

I therefore urge UDS Wa Campus electorates to vote because they think within the seven (7) months in office Team A or B would be able to deliver, electorates should vote because you believe in Candidate A or B, electorates should vote not base on religious affiliation, tribe, classmates but base on the capabilities of a candidate. I urge the various religious leaders to respect their religion and desist from asking their populace to vote for candidate A or B or allow aspirants to use their religious platform for campaigns and to the aspirants do a clean campaign, avoid dirty campaigns for one day it may be use against in one way or the other.

The one sure way of participating in the process of nation – building is to vote on the election day - Mohit Chauhan

Bukari Ayuba

Manager – Ayubadailyonline.

Disclaimer; The above represent the views and opinions of Bukari Ayuba  and not necessarily the views of Ayubadailyonline.tk.