Thoughts/Synopsis on the current World’s Soured Political/|Electoral System. – By Noor Rahim
The very term “elections” means a formal and organized choice by vote, of a person for a political office or other position/s, as applicable; and forms the most integral part in any electoral system in ones’ society/land.
The concept of “elections” has been inbred in us from the time of yore; starting within our own family-circles and extending into the Community, we live in. It started off at the village level and progressively crept into the Urban; Provincial; and Federal Level. The main aim was to create an administration for the protection and betterment of the Land; and provision of essential amenities to the inhabitants. However, has this borne fruition in these modern days is what one must ask of ones’ self.
To better understand the electoral process and to dive deep into its’ reality it is wished to highlight the magnificent quotes of 3 great leading Statesmen including a Philosopher/Historian/Moralists. They are from the 17thCentury and one in modern times.
It was President Abraham Lincoln of the U.S.A whose two relevant quotes that stands out very much today:
- Defining the difference between a STATESMAN & POLITICIAN.
“A STATESMAN is he who thinks in the future generation; and a POLITICIAN is he/she who thinks in the upcoming elections”.
- This second quote should hit a nail in the head of a lot of folks: “You can fool some of the people all of the time and all of the people some of the time, but you cannot fool all the people all of the time”.
It was the 35th President of the U.S.A, the late John F. Kennedy who stated (3rd Quote):
“Ask not what your Country can do for you; ask what you can do for the country”.
And the 4th quote I mention is from a British Philosopher, Historian & Moralist in the 17th century, Lord John Acton.
“Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely”.
At this juncture and before I proceed any further, I implore you, the Good Reader, to take cognition of the above selected quotes and see how best this suits your reckoning, in relation to the fiasco of Elections/ Electoral Fever that is raging around in your part of the World. It is felt that the scenario is a Gramaphone needle stuck in the same old groove repeating the same old message at every election time. To be more precise there are no longer any “Statesman” – only “Professional Politicians” that are vying for lucrative jobs. They’ll sell you the Moon to make their dreams come true. But the most important fact that is always forgotten by them is that they are “Public Servants” being paid handsomely by the Public to do their jobs. This fact is long forgotten by many of us. Perhaps this remiss is due to the fact that they are not made accountable, in law and justice, or to the Public in any way whatsoever, as experience has it; which falls in line with the 4th quote written above “Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely”. In a small Island Republic in the Indian Ocean, these quotes were exemplified and practiced to its’ fullest extent and yet the vanquished go about in gay abandon as if nothing has happened. The incumbent Leader seems to let the Law take its’ course to bring these corrupt Politicians to justice; and not go witch-hunting as has been the course that the previous Governments took for the first few years that they were in power. All strength to the New President in the execution of his duties.
One should always remember that there is no good governance; unless there is accountability. Yes, of course, they put forward that famous saying – “It was done in good faith”. Try telling that to your Employer, at your work place, why you failed in your duty. Undoubtedly you will be told to keep your good faith to yourself; but terminated from your job. In certain instances, they may even take you to a Court of Law for recompense. One has to remember or be reminded that “working in good faith” is O.K if you do not receive any form of remuneration. But if you are so highly paid by the public you better ensure that all the “t’s” are crossed and the “i’s” are dotted.
The worse is when the ruling Government is backed by an Opposition in Parliament (who are in reality a “watch dog” to keep the governing party from straying); even though the country is reeling and heading towards disaster. Which is a gross showing/exhibition of a “You scratch my back and I’ll scratch your back” policy. Needless to say, it is more often for “job protection”. It is akin to the “Deaf leading the Blind, with the Bobble heads nodding in approval or are nodding in deep slumber land”.
Have you ever given thought to the fact that prior to an election the candidates – not necessarily from your immediate neighbourhood, come to your doorstep with a broad friendly grin on their face, ready for a photo op with you and your family. Uttering all the goodness he/she will bring to you and the Community; and soliciting your vote. A onetime visit for sure; for you rarely see them after that first visit. All one can say is to be aware of the old saying about Greeks bearing gifts – “The Trojan Horse” in Greek Mythology. So, don’t be gullible but vote with a clear thought, for a capable and patriotic person; to represent you, in the State Assembly. In casting your vote, do not think of a selfish motive/gain; but think of how the representative will benefit the Country as a whole. What comes into mind is the advice given by a very learned and experienced Commander of an Air Force – “Look after the Small things; and the Big things will look after themselves”. So, a small action in electing the proper person will surely result in the solving of bigger things that lie ahead. The recent Presidential Elections held in an Island Nation has undoubtedly selected a capable Head of State from “grass-root” level, rather than the so called “elites” who ruled since Independence; and done nothing except to satisfy their egos and “make hay while the sun shone” concepts; thus, resulting in the country ending up in a state of bankruptcy. It’s time to rally around the incumbent and give him the support he very much needs, to carry out the arduous/herculean task that he is faced with; and which task he has promised to solve and bring into fruition.
But we as citizens must take cognizance of the 4th quote mentioned, by John F. Kennedy. We should be asking them what they (the Candidate) have given back to the country; and if they have been in the seat of Government what they have done to better the country, during their tenure. Which they could not fulfil and yet rant that they would do wonderful things for everyone, if elected/re-elected once again. The famous or should one say infamous “Repeating groove of the Gramaphone vinyl/record”, rules.
Basically “Democracy” means Government by the people for the people. But in most countries following this concept it is practically veiled in an ultimate Dictator. That is very unfortunately the Leader of the Party that is currently in power. For experience has it that in most instances they (the Leader) adopt the position of “It is my way or it is the Highway”. The Leader of the Party just treats others of the party as mere “Bobble Heads” – nod at what I have to say; or carry on nodding in slumber. We are currently watching a situation where the Leader is just refusing to step down; even though there is a public outcry from the citizens and also from within the caucus. This highlight to us as a good example of the 4th quote mentioned by Lord Acton. “Power corrupts; and absolute power corrupts absolutely”. In the Resplendent Isle in the Indian Ocean too we had one of these despots who wove a constitution for the country that gave the President of the Democratic Land virtual dictatorial powers. This was explicitly used by the others who followed in the shoes of the creator of this dastardly constitution. It was not long before the Youth uprising that an incumbent abandoned his position and sought foreign refuge. But he is now back in the country and shares all the privilege of a former President. One can call him a deserter as he was also the Chief of the Defence Forces. If a serviceman deserted and is apprehended, he would be Court-Martialed, punished if found guilty; and ignominiously booted out of the Service. But he is back and enjoying V.I.P status in a land that he abandoned, during strife. But needless to say, he nominated one of his allies as The President; while he was seeking refuge in a foreign land and that ignominious Constitution of the Country permits it. What price Politics?
So, dear Learned Readers, take cognizance of the wise quote made by the World’s great Leaders & Philosophers mentioned above; and use it as a guide in your decision making when you next use your Universal Suffrage to elect a Candidate to represent you. Also keep in mind you get stuck with your choice for the mandatory term you have selected him/her to represent you; until the next time. So, choose wisely as the future is at stake. Surmount the difficulties that may accrue temporarily; for your sacrifices will surely make it better for you or at least for the generations to come.
The future of your Country is in your hands. Remember an old Greek Motto: “God will only help those who help themselves”.
Noor Rahim
October 20. 2024
