State elections rarely get the spotlight they deserve. At a recent gathering, guests made a pointed call to voters, civil society organizations, and media outlets to shift some of their focus away from presidential races and give state-level contests the serious attention they have long been missing.
The concern is a familiar one across the continent. National elections pull in the cameras, the commentary, and the crowds, while gubernatorial and legislative races, which often have a more direct impact on everyday life, move quietly in the background.
The message from the guests was clear: the presidential contest should not swallow every conversation. Local power matters, and so do the people running for it.
Originally published by Premium Times.