The Battles For Councils

At first glance, the record number of candidates contesting the March 27 local government elections marks a contagion of democracy, a breakout of community selflessness, a pre-poll grassroots triumph over the colonisation of municipal affairs by the big political parties. Undoubtedly, these factors have influenced the turnout of more than 5000 candidates across 142 councils, compared with 166 councils in 1999.