By Ekema Emmanuel Likine, Political Sociologist.
In a democratic country like Cameroon, a change in leadership be it in presidential, Senatorial, parliamentary and Municipal, is only guaranteed through the ballot box. So many times people complain of bad governance which results to poverty, corruption, injustice and nepotism just to name a few.
On the contrary, the same citizens are not willing to change the course of their lives by exercising their civic responsibility. According to Aristotle, a great philosopher, Man is a political animal. The validity of this statement cannot be overemphasized because no matter how people try to observe neutrality, politics has a way to influence their lives.
SocioloGiST.
Politics in other words can be termed policies. This means if we put politicians to office, the policies they produce rule over society. So why then wouldn’t you use the power of your vote to determine the future of your live, that of your kids, your community and the country as a whole?
God himself, the creator of heaven and earth is the biggest democrat. He has given man the brain that determines good from evil. He has given mankind the latitude to determine his course. This is the opportunity democracy offers citizens who uphold its value.
Choose your leaders wisely because they constitute part of your destiny. Good leaders will help you accomplish great things while bad leaders will help you to stagnate. Good leaders are like street lights along the road. They do not only make the journey short and safe at night, but they clear up our path to see where we place our feet to avoid any harm.
This is what true leadership should reflect. This is an election year in Cameroon. So many people postulating for positions, are living within us. Take your time and examine who is best to help you fulfil your dreams in life. Leadership requires a vision, accountability, humility and generosity. Anybody who falls short of these principles does not deserve the votes of the citizens of this country.
The errors of one election can only be corrected after seven years in the context of presidential election while that of senatorial, parliamentary and municipal, can only be corrected after five years. This is the reason why we have to take a critical look at candidates before we entrust them with positions. The power of your vote will make you who you want to be in the future.
People go into politics for diverse reasons. To some, the joy of serving humanity is their driving force. This category as a matter of fact, is very minimal because a greater proportion of politicians think politics is all about self-glorification. The tendency of acquiring wealth for themselves and for their unborn generations is the order of the day as far as our contemporary society is concern.
Some get into politics just because they want to protect their properties while others is just for fame. This category cares less of what those who have voted them are going through on a daily basis to meet their needs. Not all that glitters is gold. Beware of such people who will brandish money just to get to positions and thereafter, they show you their true colours. The power of your vote is capable of sending such politicians packing. For communities that are victims to such people, is time to use the power of your votes to effectuate change.
Today voters’ apathy is in a sharp increase in Cameroon because of the way local politicians are treating their electorates. They drive flashy cars and send their children to the best schools. They live in luxury while the voters are in perpetual poverty. The power of your vote is enough to change this in your community. The failure to vote will only ensure that the situation remains unchanged.
Election periods are full of emotions and expectations. Make a difference now or never. To achieve the desired change in your communities, you have to vote and it all begins with registration on the electoral list. Use this remaining months to arm yourselves with the best weapon democracy has offered you.