Democracy, Elections and Voting

Hello, 22nd Century, This is India, Hello, ....., Hello?

Ganga Prasad G. Rao

Yes, it's me again! And yes, it is our democracy again! WWAAI I TT!, I have a question before you hit 'delete'. When you vote, why and whom do you vote for? For one candidate over his challengers? For one party against other parties in the fray? For democracy against anarchy? Out of a feeling of duty and national pride? To express your appreciation for a certain candidate, party or to justify the holiday the government declares? A vote under obligation or duress for being the recipient of past favors? Or some combination that you don't have the time for, the will to or the conscience to figure out?

Does it even matter, you ask? Indeed. It matters when you vote for the candidate but not for the party, or the other way around. It matters whether you vote to express your right, your opinion or your appreciation for or obligation to a certain candidate. And it matters if you abstain because you do not like the candidates, the parties, their planks (or because you do not like your chances of returning home
in one piece!). And why? Because your favorite candidate is with the wrong party. Because your party is in an electoral alliance that you do not agree with or has fielded a 'dud' counting on your loyalty. Because we hate to participate in a sham democracy that lets politicians and parties of dubious antecedents grab power by buying in to vote blocks comprising our disadvantaged with the promise of subsidizing them. But, most importantly, because we want to avoid the trauma of extended social strife and survive in to the 22nd century as a nation to pursue our dream – of a nation of equals, a nation committed to justice, to freedom, to opportunity, to progress and excellence, to tolerance and peace.

Perhaps it is not too late to consider an entirely different political system? A Parliament constituted by nominated or elected representatives from capitalists – industrial barons, factory owners, businessmen and landowners along with representation from the academe, religion, farmers, blue collar and white collar employees as well representatives from the international community – in short, all except career politicians! Why, such a system would be both decentralized and representative of the society. It could have a better shot at bringing about the broadbased consensus that eludes us today. It is not the only way and it is not the best either, but it sure beats the farce aka India's democratic Parliament! What we do or don't will determine whether India enters the 22nd century as a country of hope, as a country in despair or.... We need leaders with the brains of Dr. Radhakrishnan, the foresight of Ambedkar, the resolve of Gandhi, the vision of Nehru and iron will of Patel ... and the cunning of a fox.

Happy Hunting!