This topic or prompt is timely because the general election is not that far away here. It's next year and already, we've seen campaigns, promises and all manner of political activities, gearing up towards the coming general election. The prompt isn't just timely, it's also a call, an approach to look into this matter that has been happening in our societies. It's a call to look into these things consciously and seek to address them.
I used to wonder why people would come out, speak on political matters, especially elections, and then cap it with a similar statement; “Vote for the right person.” In this season especially as the general election approaches, we'll keep hearing such things as time moves on up until the day of the elections. As the prompt says, wouldn't it be better to simply tell people who to vote for, especially when a wrong move would affect democracy and elections?
It would be good to understand why people say such things first before considering if it's okay or to be simple and direct in communicating who to vote for. Some people are vocal and interested in political matters, but like to be nonpartisan as well. This is them not being publicly affiliated with a political party or candidate. Mostly, this comes from influential and known individuals who have an interest in the political affairs of their nation.
Arguably, sometimes people say such things for the sake of protecting their interests to avoid being traced to their statements when their interest finally takes sides publicly or when those they supported fail to deliver. In other cases, it's people trying not to be imposing on others. This could be from leaders and figures influencing others. They don't say who to vote for to avoid choosing for those who follow them, whether for their own good or not.
The funny thing is, when people say this, it's usually known who they're indirectly suggesting, and it's mostly the candidates presumed to be better options. That has made me wonder, why not just say who to vote for? But as mentioned, people say such things for some reasons. However, it baffles me when I consider the effects of the wrong move on democracy, elections, and people's welfare and trust in the long run. Could clearly saying who to vote for help?
Nevertheless, democracy has given everyone the right to choose who to vote for. Maybe this cancels out the power to even simply tell people who to vote for as they have the right to choose who they wish to vote for, regardless of track records, failures, lack of potential of some candidates and the effects in the future. Democracy has made it possible to have this right and to use it as one wishes without being decided for by another.
The big question for me is, do we even need to be told who to vote for, for the good of society, state, and country at large? Maybe some people need to. Facts, records and potentials should also speak in this regard, not just a vocal and loud support and endorsement of a candidate. In most cases, people know what's right. That's something I know. Personal interests and desires are what could make it look otherwise.
Image is AI generated.
