The essence of participating in all elections

Jan 30, 2014

Many people think that Presidential elections are the only important elections in the world. Millions of people turn out to vote in Presidential elections but do not ordinarily vote in other elections.

By Paul Wanaye

Many people think that Presidential elections are the only important elections in the world. Millions of people turn out to vote in Presidential elections but do not ordinarily vote in other elections.


What is even more frustrating is that even when people vote in these Presidential elections, they forget to vote on many ballot proposals that will affect their everyday lives more so than what the President proposes to parliament.

What bothers me more is when it comes to politics, the notion that all politicians are liars or to be a politician you have to be a liar, tell a lie or believe in lies?  Well I'm here to tell people that you don't have to be a liar; you don't have to deal in lies or believe in lies to be a politician. In fact it is shameful that many politicians and political candidates distort the truth in order to get elected to office. What is even more shameful is that many supporters of the candidates continue to spread the lies even after the lies have been proven to be a lie.

Also there is the case of the non-partisan side of ballots where people get to elect judges to the various courts in their city and state. Thus, when I tell you every election is important it is no joke. While voting for President every four years is good, what really counts is voting in every election and voting on every ballot proposal as well as the rest of the ballot.

Who you put in parliament is just as important as who sits in the cabinet? Who you elect to parliament is just as important as who chooses the next speaker? Who you cast a vote for to be a Member of Parliament is just as important as changing your constitution by voting yes or no when it comes to Parliament?

When you vote, you make a difference in deciding who will not only be the next President of the Uganda but who can be the next Mayor, City Council member, LCV chairman, LCIII chairman,  and even various local council councilors. Voting in every election whenever there is one can decide if your property taxes go up due to new bond mileages to build new schools or to pay for the community colleges in your constituency. Voting should be contagious and it should not only be done for the President of Uganda but it should be done on a consistent and continuous basis in every election year.

Time is running out for 2016 and this is yet another Presidential election year. However, I want to take this time and ask everyone to be independent. Don't allow yourself to be trapped in the political vortex.

 For years Uganda has been caught in a dubious scheme of politics as campaign finance laws have been shattered, financial and banking system continues to get rich off the backs of the less fortunate and healthcare has yet to arrive to all Ugandans yet but the cost of it increases daily for those that do have it. Nevertheless, Parliament continues demand salary increase while there is supposed to be a pay freeze on all local government employees especially.
 
So once again don't be fooled in 2016, be independent thinking. Start doing your research on political parties that have been bought by the bankers, financiers and other rich as well as power brokers while forgetting about the poor, needy and less fortunate in the process. Now is the time to be independent and not fall for the trap once again during the coming election year.

A concerned citizen

 

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