Time to wake up There is a feverish pitch by the politicians to be seen , heard and taken notice of. Close to the election time, be it state or general elections, the voters are being blasted with promises galore .The social, print, entertainment and electronic media are working overtime at the behest of their patrons and masters, churning out volumes of information, paid and fake news and retrieving past documentations,scandals that will promote their avowed cause .Then there are sudden announcements of new projects in the pipe line just to beat the election code and to fool and confuse the voters. They are just and mostly paper announcements like many others that have not fructified till date the foundation stones standing as mute sentinels of reminders. The last minute flourish activity after being in slumber for their period in office is to pull wool over the eyes. Most of the time of 5 years term is spent in loud mouthing inability to move forward, citing financial constraints, lack of support from ruling party and being on the opposition benches. Whether in the ruling or in the opposition politicians make common cause for their survival instincts. Some placements, projects here and there to assure support and unflinching loyalty .It is no secret that they had to cough up to be there, not to complain for it is a win win situation for both. Why do the politicians want to remain in power in perpetuity and die with boots on. Even with extreme physical disability and mental strain they will not call it a day. The reasons are obvious personal enrichment, power, position and social importance, as it is the best profession requiring no specific academic or professional qualifications .Voters think that it is the best and only time to milk the politicians, for they have amassed a fortune during their tenure. Voters promote activities, like picnics, dances, tiatr, tournaments, fetes, invite the politicians as Chief guest and solicit donations for clubs, organizations, religious bodies etc The voters are smart in playing one against the other in their strategy .Not fulfilling the demands entails costs that may not be pleasurable.The politicians suo motu volunteer to participate and support public causes as discrete propaganda for re election. The politicians at this time of the year make their appearances at pubic functions, weddings, birthdays,feasts funerals , home visits, mingling with the crowds in a free and friendly atmosphere, The strict appointments formality otherwise is relaxed and they are suddenly available at your service
Voters often get carried away with some small considerations, which are enticements for ulterior motives. The voters claiming closeness will engage in propaganda for their benefit, unknown, or requested just to curry favour. It often leads to enmity with the friends,neighbours that will spill over and beyond elections. Hence selling soul for momentary and fleeting opportunity is not worthy and desirable The politicians play on emotions and make some appointments to election related activities contacting voters, paid election rallies,in distributing,nominated as agents, giving impressions of importance, Some other voters make outrageous demands citing vote banks that can be transferred. The politicians find difficult to resist various types of needs placed before them for financial redress, Anyway that have made enough legally by free emoluments largasse and other perks and privileges associated with their position and what they will part with is a pittance and investment Once they are elected all personal approaches will stop, You will need to visit them on bended knees and folded hands, if your pleas are to be entertained, You can be shocked if you are rebutted with a statement, that the win was minus your precious or sacred vote. Since the politicians cannot be recalled and are free to change sides, defect, horse trading, you get the ring side view of desperation and disappointment in helplessness The new entrants are another breed for contentions, Their birthdays are public functions for all and sundry. The press advertisement, often self motivated and financed announce their importance and popularity Seasoned voters, workers under false pretext of support will exhort a pound of flesh They are masters of deceit, cunning, experts at exploitation and extortion The new entrants are a nuisance to the potential winner and may have to be bargained to withdraw in support at a steep price In fact many aspiring new faces await the opportunity for request to withdraw and it is their main motive. The prospective candidate also and deliberately fields such candidates with the object of division of votes that will ensure his prospects .It is said and rightly so the preparation for the next elections begins right after elections. Hence all their actions,energies are geared to this effect ,meticulously planned to ensure their continuous survival by re election Voters often complaint about their arrogance, which emanates from being in office too long, The politicians must deliver for the period for which they are elected. It is no favour .Any politician, party elected must deliver promises to the voters and it is moral obligation of trust and for which they are elected The voters ,if not to be disheartened, never openly display loyalties or be bought, but reserve secrecy and calmness in making a wise and informed decision .The only best guarantee to ensure democracy, transparency, progress and development is to constantly change parties and politicians no matter what Nelson Lopes Chinchinim
