The recent parliamentary election was the most highly contested in the history of the Country. Some constituencies had as many as ten or more candidates represented by different parties and independents’ as well. This was never seen in prior elections. Usually 2 or 3 candidates will contest along with their dummy’s, used to disaggregate votes. During this election patriotism was shown by many islanders and they took this opportunity to voice their constituency’s aspirations and dreams. Many were in fact so patriotic that they preferred the candidates who were born and raised in their constituency. Some believed that it will help future generations of their constituencies to become more aware and active in politics. This election also became a turning point for longest serving MPs and the public has yet again shown the rhythm of change echoing the nation.
However influence has again infiltrated in to the thick democratic plasma and got in the way of democracy. Lot of influential figures was still able to overpower some genuine, patriotic and charismatic young contestants. In some of the constituencies, rich and powerful hogged the seats, making the patriotic and genuine candidates disheartened. However one thing we need to keep in mind is that in the “democracy” we enjoyed for the past 30 years the elections have always been bigotry, where loyalists of the regime and rich people hogged up the whole political arena. This still lingers on in our society, even though we have embraced the true democracy. Some candidates who won the seats were alleged for corruption and yet swept away a large majority and won their seats. This shows our public being blindfolded by a group of influential people in the society for financial gain from such candidates. Some candidates who won the seats have hardly put their feet on the soils of their constituencies and others who claim to belong to them have never seen the sunrise on their constituencies. We may be highly educated, rich and influential and belong to a strong political party, but understanding the aspirations and dreams of local communities is not something one can earn by just visiting their constituency once in a blue moon. Many educated people in the society fail to understand the pain and grievances of our local islanders. When we visit an island we see our islanders behind a white washed wall. It is simply not enough to understand them in such a way. Yet money had spoken during this election, whatever the means how it has infiltrated the free and fair curtain is unclear.
However influence has again infiltrated in to the thick democratic plasma and got in the way of democracy. Lot of influential figures was still able to overpower some genuine, patriotic and charismatic young contestants. In some of the constituencies, rich and powerful hogged the seats, making the patriotic and genuine candidates disheartened. However one thing we need to keep in mind is that in the “democracy” we enjoyed for the past 30 years the elections have always been bigotry, where loyalists of the regime and rich people hogged up the whole political arena. This still lingers on in our society, even though we have embraced the true democracy. Some candidates who won the seats were alleged for corruption and yet swept away a large majority and won their seats. This shows our public being blindfolded by a group of influential people in the society for financial gain from such candidates. Some candidates who won the seats have hardly put their feet on the soils of their constituencies and others who claim to belong to them have never seen the sunrise on their constituencies. We may be highly educated, rich and influential and belong to a strong political party, but understanding the aspirations and dreams of local communities is not something one can earn by just visiting their constituency once in a blue moon. Many educated people in the society fail to understand the pain and grievances of our local islanders. When we visit an island we see our islanders behind a white washed wall. It is simply not enough to understand them in such a way. Yet money had spoken during this election, whatever the means how it has infiltrated the free and fair curtain is unclear.
I salute the unsung heroes of this election who had come forth with selfless, patriotic and genuine concerns to improve the life of local islanders. You may have lost this time, yet you have shown to your constituents that, young charismatic, patriotic and selfless, leaders have grown among them and you will always be considered an aspiration for the younger generations of your constituencies. Live with them and be with them and show your genuineness and selfless, patriotism to your fellow citizens. Someday they will stand up for you and will realize that true heroes are among them.
