ABOVE THE VOTE



ABOVE THE VOTE
By Jeremy Leariwala
A few months to an election, anywhere in the world, a lot of things happen. A lot of activities take place as candidates try to convince the voters that they are the best. There is a lot of information that plays on between the past election, the future and what the upcoming election means.
In the past, here at home, for example devolution and security were very common words. A notion in the minds of many voters was that devolution meant tribal governments! To them it stood for: giving communities opportunity to form their own governments. As years passed that view slowly transformed into something better. Devolution: was like bringing resources closer to the people. However; the dictionary still defines it as the transfer of some powers, and the delegation of some functions to a local government. After the last vote though there followed many new roads, new schools built, new health facilities and ambulances bought. A few local stadiums were improved and equipped to offer better services and more street lights were installed. Security floodlights on high masts mushroomed in a number of villages.
Just like with devolution after the last vote a number of things followed on security. The numbers of security personnel rose sharply, more and better equipments were introduced. CCTV cameras to capture criminal acts provided the most important leads to start investigations to mention a few.
Within a few days to voting there is always a lot of criticism. Poor workmanship, equipment failures, number of white elephant projects, who stole what and who returned cash to the treasury are just a few examples. There would be pots full of promises too. Creation of more jobs and fighting tribalism will most likely be the most common.
But as the aspirant will be talking, potential voters will be listening & thinking of their role and contribution after the coming vote.
A peace loving citizen trusts the choices he will make. He knows that the available resources will continue the development agendas already introduced in the past. The campaign period is just a time to sample the option of leaders available. It is a time to listen to their promises and development ideas. It is also a time to take an oath and declare that when a leader is finally announced; violent behavior will not be a method to use in case of protest. Our future together looks bright and promising. Unity and commitment to work together towards that desired future is the first step necessary forward. It is a universal fact that a country belongs to its entire people.
There is no need to hate a neighbor or even to forget how important (s)he has always been in your life. Above the vote, we will all need each other and together we will create a prosperous future.

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