Voting is the cornerstone of our democracy. It ensures that citizens can choose leaders and policymakers who will make decisions on their behalf. It is a powerful tool that citizens can use to protect themselves against autocracy and strengthen democracy by electing leaders who prioritize the well-being of all citizens. However, often citizens are found to be confused in selecting the best candidate and having a misconception that just one vote in a sea of millions cannot make a difference. Adding to this is the increase in the number of legislators defecting to opposite parties having totally different ideologies. This may lead to citizens not participating in the electoral process and thereby causing a negative impact on the health of the democracy as democracy is all about giving people power over their government.
Presently the word “Politician” has acquired negative connotations with most citizens viewing politicians as selfish and insensitive. This is not a surprise as most politicians in our country lack accountability, integrity and transparency. They are often seen abusing their position and indulging in corruption. Broken electoral promises lead to mistrust and trust is particularly important in a representative democracy such as ours. Politicians, especially, those in power need statesmanship. They need to stand up for what is fair without ifs or buts, even though it means losing a powerful post or even an election. A politician should be motivated by compassion, guided by reason and experience and lead by example. Unfortunately, very few politicians around the world have delivered quality by engaging in politics driven by authenticity, empathy and the ‘Power of Ideas'. Since politicians are the decision-makers of the country, they need to have exceptional qualities that distinguish them from ordinary citizens. It can be said that what ideology is to the party, personality is to the politician and it is certainly correct to conclude that honesty is the most positive personality trait. Citizens need to elect representatives who have accountability and integrity. Citizens should realize that it is worth investing time to find out which candidate is most closely aligned with the above qualities. It is a fact that effective political leadership is important for good governance to be built and sustained so that the country can develop. Hence not voting can have detrimental effects on each and every citizen and on the country’s future.
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In an election, the voters are on trial as to their capability to select the best candidate. Voters need to be informed and currently, information about a candidate is more accessible than ever both online and in print. However, finding reliable and nonpartisan information may need some effort and the voter should go the extra mile as a vote based on wrong information may cause harm. Voters may have a personal dislike for candidates but they need to realize that candidates represent political ideologies and the vote is actually for that ideology and the promises in the manifesto. The choice is not always between good and bad but often between two bads and the citizen should then go for the least bad option against the worst option. As far as defections are concerned, only voters can put a stop and ensure value-based politics by making it impossible for defectors to get reelected. By not voting citizens lose the moral right to criticize the government policies and also fail in upholding the duty of common pursuit. High voter turnout is a sign of public participation and faith in the electoral process giving it legitimacy.
Any political leader who calls for compassion in politics at a time when the values of empathy and forgiveness have begun to symbolize weakness rather than courage should be supported. Qualities like decency, compassion, ideological conviction and uncompromising commitment to truth can ensure a good political leader. He should be persistent, on-point and unwavering. During times of doublespeak, half-truth, spin and propaganda, let us the citizens elect representatives who can practice a new kind of politics-politics of truth and fairness.
(All views and opinions expressed in the article are the author’s own)