WHO ARE THE REAL VOTERS?

 

The 2023 General Elections are close and keep drawing closer every day. The long months we saw when 2022 began have narrowed down to less than three months. Every new day brings a fresh discussion on the various political parties and candidates. We have become political analysts as we dissect the words and actions of every candidate, aptly taking up the glorified ‘keypad warriors’ title. With less than three months to go, it is time to ask ourselves what we have really done or contributed to the success of the upcoming elections – as regards freedom and fairness. We all know winning this battle is not by mere talk so how strong have we made our fists?

Democracy, they say "is the government of the people, by the people, and for the people", and while we hope that Nigeria gets better at this vital factor for great nationalism, it is important to know that change starts somewhere. The upcoming general election is quite significant for Nigerians as it bears a call and eventual decision that will define the next eight years of our lives. Do we see a light at the end of the tunnel or should we continue to drown in darkness?

Political apathy is the norm of the new age and it is prevalent among the youths. Despite the surge in voters’ registration at the beginning of this year through July, it is still worrisome that many youths have not taken up the 2023 elections as a challenge we should face with one voice. The clamour for change has not stopped but many do not understand the politics of their constituency, talk more, about the politics of the country. Change begins at the grassroots. It is not enough to dislike one political party as that defeats the purpose of politics. Understanding the political ideologies of each group and candidate matters a lot. It is easy to pick out the candidate with the fuller purse or the candidate with the popular votes and follow the crowd in chanting his name and eulogies but that is not the political involvement we need for this coming election. We debate on which candidate can take Nigeria to her glory days but we forget that this does not bring them into power. 

We need to leave tribalism, nepotism, and the like behind us to make the right choice. This unfounded favouritism is in effect even in school politics - the decision to vote for someone because you are of the same department, religion, or hall. If the leaders of tomorrow cannot make the right choice ethically, then the readiness of this country and its citizens for growth is in question. Proper evaluation should be the basis of endorsing a candidate. 

Attending programmes that give insight into governance and political systems cannot be overemphasized. Like the common saying, ‘What you see is not everything’; it is essential to look beyond what is being spoken and have a proper understanding of the system. No government can satisfy all, however, satisfying the majority and protecting the minority should be the aim of a good government. 

Objectively listening to candidates' debates, asking questions and seeking clarifications when needed are part of the aids that enable the right choice. A good voter should check precedents and not be fed with the sweet words of politicians. Having a permanent voter's card does not suffice if it is not used for the purpose it was gotten. 

"Who are the real voters?" 

The mass of people who go out to vote for whoever is said to be good? Or the ones that sell their vote for free edibles? Or the analyst who sits behind the television to count votes but did not cast a vote? 

No one knows what the outcome of the 2023 general elections would be but this is not the time to be disinterested in the happenings of the society. This is the time for active political participation where we all become players at the table and not pawns in the game.  

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