ACCORDING TO THE PSYCHE OF OUR ELECTORATES

 

ACCORDING TO THE PSYCHE OF OUR ELECTORATES

In Joel Rothman's book, "Politics is a Funny Business" published in 1983, is a conversation that is referenced to enable us to draw today's lesson. It goes:

Gert: "What does he stand for, Mabel?"

Mabel: "Anything we'll fall for, Gert." So brief but loaded political conversation with a valuable lesson that politicians' actions or inactions, at all times, are dictated by the disposition of the electorates.

When the body language of the electorates indicated that they are favorably disposed to transactional Politics, political office seekers buy their votes to win. When the priority of the electorates is virtues (values, issues), politicians adjust accordingly. Therefore, electorates are challenged to be resolute about what they want for the collective good.

The worst and most expensive mistake electorates could make is to abandon their conscience and vote for mundane things like money or other material treasures of this world. Doing so will amount to Faustian Bargain, that is, selling of one's conscience for money or fame.

We are in another season of electioneering campaigns. Contestants at different levels are courting electorates (especially delegates for now). Our delegates are, therefore, charged to position themselves in such a manner that political money backs will have little or no chance, at all!

Before you take the decision to vote, remember the mandate of the constituents you are representing in the delegate poll. Do not mortgage the future of present and coming generations on the altar of selfish gain that cannot even sustain you in time.

(Modest thoughts with Ayuba Yilgak'ha, May 8, 2022; SMS: 08116181263)