WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2024
It’s now just a matter of days when the voters, who are the very power and foundation of this grassroots democracy will decide the fate of the winners from among so many candidates in the fray.
But this day has been secured after a hard fought battle with the government in the courts for trying to delay the elections. Hence, this election is not going to be any other election, that is why the importance of this panchayat polls assumes even more
significance.
It is extremely important for the voters to make every vote count. Don’t make the same mistake you have been making till now of electing the same candidates over and over again despite knowing fully well that these elected members never worked for the welfare of their electorates.
We are aware that ‘Panchayati Raj’ establishes true democracy at the grassroots level. No doubt, in Goa our Village Panchayat bodies are vibrant and there is active participation of villagers during Gram Sabha meetings, but surely the functioning of Panchayati Raj institutions in Goa have their shortcomings.
It is common knowledge that people view Panchayati Raj institutions as extended arms of political parties, especially of the ruling party in the State.
It is time for the voters to change this perception by electing only those candidates who actually believe in the ethos of self-governance and grassroots democracy. Allegations of incompetence, corruption, nepotism always does the rounds. But despite knowing this, as voters we don’t take serious measures to cleanse the system as we look for fringe benefits from the elected representatives.
There is no point in re-electing the same set of “corrupt” and “inefficient” candidates repeatedly and then repenting later. Posting memes, trolling panchas, sarpanchas on social media does not make any sense if you are going to vote for the same set of candidates. We as voters make this same mistake during every election and then lament on the state of affairs in the State and country.
The essence of democracy is the right to exercise your franchise and making your voice heard through your vote. Do away with the notion that “there is no alternative” and then electing those who are known to be loyal to their political bosses and not the people. If there is no alternative, then create
the alternative.
Support new and young candidates who don’t have any past political baggage but are known for their selfless work for the community. It could be professionals, social workers, teachers, retired defence and police personnel who have a history of selfless service.
We have seen a glimpse of good and bad voting trends in the Assembly elections held this year. While we voted for the same candidates with chequered history, we also showed the door to betrayers of public trust by electing 19 first-time MLAs. At the same time we voted for dynastic politics and only three women were elected as MLAs.
We have to vote for promising new faces to weed out the incompetent incumbent elected members, panchas and sarpanchas, elect more women and reward the past performers by re-electing them.
Let us not forget that we can’t let the elected representatives trample upon our aspirations and betray our trust. Be it poor infrastructure, water scarcity, destruction of khazan lands, coal transportation - whichever issue you are affected with, make yourself heard through
your vote.
Hold every candidate accountable and through your vote make it known loud and clear that if you don’t perform you will perish. If the corporate sector can follow this dictum to ensure efficiency in their functioning, why can’t it be applied on the elected representatives? After all, it’s about our lives, our present and future.
Look at the bigger picture when you vote. Vote with a vengeance, vote for change. It’s high time we did it.
