You have cast your sacred vote and dutifully accomplished your constitutional responsibility periodically after 5 years. Your value of importance and power of your voted now is zero. The vote may be towards winning, losing or NOTA. There is no corresponding duty cast on electors or there is provision for recall. For the next 5 years they are for themselves and their families. The only weapon at our disposal is to change the candidates. Wonder whether you would even receive a phone call, visit, thank you note and importance that was bestowed upon you.
The rallies after elections and parties of celebrations voter has to be self invited. Nobody cares a damn whether one is present or not. For the next five years you will have to track and wait endlessly even to exchange few glances for you are not a priority anymore. Do not be surprised if you are rebuffed or receive a mild reprimand that winning is not related to your vote. It is only the election that drives mortal fear in candidates and they are prepared to bow, beg, and swallow insults just to win, for they are aware of the short term pain and long term gain. The so-called development schemes mostly only start at elections and abandoned thereafter. Till the results are declared it is the only period of agony for the candidates to spend sleepless night to know their fate sealed in the ballot box, while voters relax , wait in anticipation and bathed breadth if their vote is towards winner
There is no alternative to elections in a democratic set up as the other option can be disastrous. Why so many candidates vie for the seat, it is because they have visualised the enormous benefits, power and positions it confers. Right from the start the energies, actions, behavior will be directed in the preparation of next elections. The voters too are selfish and myopic, for they focus on personal gain, rather than social benefits.
Fortunately this time there is no public defacement by posters etc., home visits, corner , public meetings have been new methods of choice for electioneering. The print , electronic and social media have immensely prospered this time around.
Goans will be disappointed, if there is no change of Government. Even a coalition, unstable period is to be welcomed.
