Political Elections.

27^th October 2006.

Politics is an inflammatory topic. If religion is added, it becomes provocative and spicy. We all know that the combination is harmful. Yet, we taste them. We discuss about them, savor their flavour. Chew and gulp them. Sometimes spit them out and also spit at them.

Whether or not we like them, the politicians govern us, and in a democratic type of governance we elect them. They are one amongst us. Among that breed, there have been excellent leaders, who attained stature of a statesman, were inspirational to the masses. Some of them fell by the wayside, by their own mistakes, and others kept away by the system.

Be that as it may, the elections come periodically and enliven the atmosphere.

Let me digress a bit.

The public blogs are a wonderful thing to happen. It is a great platform to air individual views exercising decency and decorum, and not posting incriminating sentences. While this being so, it allows ordinary citizens to participate in the pre-election cacophony. What was once the prerogative of reporters/columnists to put them in print (edited version in line with the Newspaper’s policy), the bloggers are also contributing to the election gaiety. It is educative, informative and fun.

Any type of elections in a democracy evokes interest, not only in the place where it is held, but also elsewhere. The reason for its importance is the elected leaders acquire the powers to change the lifestyle of the governed. The promises which they make during their canvassing for votes are sky-high, which they find difficult to implement due to several constraints as the ball game in power is different.

It is often said that the voter should exercise his/her basic right to vote. Fine.

What if his/her name is not in the electoral list? Who is to be blamed? Many of them. The enumeration process of the Election machinery, the voter himself, the party, The Active workers of the party… The blame game starts, and sadly there is no conclusion.

Yet, the debate should continue for cleansing the system. After all, democracy is for the people, by the people and of the people.

In the end, we all know that “We get what we deserve”.

Yet, a wise judgment should be made about the candidate’s capabilities to solve an issue rather than his/her personality. And then cast the vote. If the hopes are belied, pray god.