Yesterday, Zohran Mamdani, a 34-year-old Democrat, won the New York mayoral race. Mamdani will be the first Muslim Mayor, the youngest mayor since 1892, and the first African-born mayor of New York, one of the most popular cities in the world. Mamdani fought a hard-won race; he was up against an establishment that poured millions of dollars into campaign ads to help him lose. Despite every effort, Mamdani won.
Tuesday’s victory says a lot about the spirit of New Yorkers and Americans in general. For Zohran to win an election as a Muslim, immigrant, born in Africa, and 34 years old speaks volumes about Americans. I have visited the United States more than five times in the last 15 years. I have argued many times that ordinary Americans are amongst the friendliest people in the world; they like strangers. Zohran’s victory reminded us of Barack Hussein Obama’s victory as the 44th President of the United States of America. Barack, born to an African father and an American mother from a humble beginning, rose to become the most powerful man in the world. These victories should remind us all that it is possible.
In his victory speech last night, Zohran said, ”We have toppled a political dynasty,” and he vows to make New York a light. Sceptics didn’t believe that a lesser-known Mamdani could defeat Andrew Cuomo, not just in the Democratic race but in the mayoral candidate elections. Mamdani’s victory should serve as an inspiration to young people all over that leadership is not just meant for certain tribes or people with certain last names or ages; it is for anyone who means well and qualifies to run. His victory should remind especially those of us who sit on the sidelines with bigger ideas, saying that we don’t want to join politics, that it is not for us. This victory should remind the young aspiring youth in a community that you see the problems in your community every day, you feel you can do something about it, but you don’t have the power to do it; this is a lesson for you.
Mamdani reminded us in his victory speech that, ”And there are others who see politics today as too cruel for the flame of hope to still burn, New York, we have answered those fears.” Many people have given up on politics; young, bright leaders in communities across Sierra Leone are no longer interested in partaking. They have given up because they have been lied to many times with fake promises. They have given up because they think politics is a shortcut to accumulating wealth quickly, leaving the masses to suffer. They live every day with the same basic problems, irrespective of which political party is in power; the problems don’t resolve.
I have often been approached many times to try out politics. Some people have said that with some of the ideas I have, I will do better. I have often said that for some of us, it is not just venturing into politics; it is about making a difference for the electorate. I would have loved to see our political parties run as institutions beyond political campaign periods. I would have loved to see political parties have units that train and prepare their members for various offices, whether it is a councillor, mayor, or MP, to even the Presidency. I would love to see political parties be active before, during, and after elections. I would have loved for political parties to teach would-be contestants that Sierra Leone is bigger than our political parties, tribe, and region.
For some of us who are still finding it difficult to make a decision whether to jump in or not, Zohran’s victory should serve as an inspiration to us all. I have had conversations with so many young people in and out of Sierra Leone, not in Government but with great ideas, but they think they don’t have the platform to make a difference; for those, this should serve as a lesson. It is everyone’s business to lead, whether you are in the private or public sector. Whether you are in Government or not, you should always try to make a difference wherever you find yourself. If I ever decide to go into politics someday, I would love to be a politician with a difference, not for personal interest, but for the good of every Sierra Leonean. If it doesn’t benefit the people, I am not interested. Zohran’s victory is a victory for all of us; as we sit on the sidelines, let us continue to ‘put her interest above all else,’ whether in public or private life.”
