Democracy which is seen as the government of the people by the people and for the people has been adjudged the best form of government in the world. There are many reasons for which democracy is considered effective for the progress and development of a nation. Apart from giving room for equal opportunities and the basic rights, the fundamental right of voting is an added advantage for the citizens living in a democratic society.
However, in a true democratic society, it is essential to ensure a government that follows the will of the people and not the one that forces the people to follow it. It is not an absurdity to say that democracy is a nation ruled by its citizenry. The beauty of democracy is that the minority will have their say but the majority will have their way. Functioning democracy implies where the people approve to the government operating the nation.
Consequently, all eligible voters are given the chance to select their leaders through their rights to vote and to be voted for. In a truly democratic society, the representatives or candidates who have been elected are liable in many ways to the people who voted and elected them. They have to implement those pledges and campaign promises made during elections with much transparency, accountability and good governance.
Being able to vote allows citizens to express their political opinions by voting a particular policy or candidate that has his best interest in mind. The goal of any voting system is to establish the intent of each individual voter and translate those intents into reality. According to Abraham Lincoln, a one-time American President, no man is good enough to govern another man without that other’s consent. This further explains that in a truly democratic society, governments are instituted among qualified and responsible men who derive their just political powers from the consent of the governed.
It is always advisable to vote for credible people or candidates as this determines the fate of the nation. It is the law of nature that those who vote for a candidate for money, out of anger, ignorance, race or sex will surely get what they voted for. A country’s democracy and people’s choice depends on voting, so the masses should take the initiative to vote for someone that reflects their overall views. The truth is that the citizen’s vote count and it can make a difference every time they cast their votes.
Conclusively, non-participation in the voting process breeds a whole lot of painful and unpalatable experiences. The nation would be plunged into untold hardship, economic recession, under-development, miscarriage of justices, political unrest and worst still, the machinery of government would get into wrong hands. For this reason therefore, the ideology of “boycotting” an election should not be respected as it is an enemy to a functional democracy. Nigerians and particularly Ndi Anambra should see voting as our sacred right which must be exercised during elections.
Written by CHUKWUEBUKA OBINUGWU
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