Dear Editor,

My new mission is to increase participation in the electoral process.

For myriad reasons, 30 per cent is much less than desired and does not augur well for a country. The choice to exercise your franchise is your right, but not utilising it, I opine, is a dereliction of duty, enough to exclude one from any discussion on governance.

This right to vote was secured in 1944 through what is known as universal adult suffrage. This was not handed out on a platter but was gained by the blood, sweat, and tears of our ancestors, through strikes, demonstrations, and public disorder.

These reforms were premised on the conviction that if one was bound by the laws of the country, then he/she should participate in the decision as to who makes these laws. This valuable gain was widely embraced and treated as such; however, for several reasons, as the years went by, previously high interest that translated into participation started on a downward trajectory to where it is now. And there are many negatives which make it an uncomfortable place to be.

I wish to start by making a disclaimer. In reluctantly referring to classes, my intention is not to disrespect anyone; however, there are certain realities we must face that require taking our heads out of the sand. Ours is a society deeply divided by socio-economic status based primarily on income, education, employment status, food and housing insecurity, social acceptance, and, to some extent, race.

Experience also shows that the citizens who overwhelmingly participate in politicking and invariably show up at polling stations are from the bottom tier of the class structure, and interest and participation levels diminish as you climb the socio-economic ladder. This results in those who are making the important decisions regarding the country’s direction being primarily those least equipped to carry out that crucial function. Many are unable to dissect discussions on issues; as a matter of fact, they rarely speak about issues and grossly undervalue their votes. Due to these deficiencies and their strong will to survive, they become malleable and the politicians’ joy, as their loyalty is bought at the price of a proper dinner.

We have a predatory system, and statistics will show that the classes that participate least in the electoral process are the greater manipulators and beneficiaries of government largesse — the large donors who expect a return on investment and have the ear of some we employ to govern.

But missing are a group of disinterested people, many of whom are caught up in jobs that sustain them but do not facilitate upward mobility. This silent majority should be the real power brokers in a one man, one vote system that determines the direction of our nation. However, our lawyers, doctors, police officers, teachers, sanitary workers, young professionals, vendors, self-employed, and students have rendered themselves voiceless by choice, disappointed in a system that will not change without their input. Many take the time allowed by law to escape the daily grind, but never show up at the voting booth. They complain the most yet resign themselves to a state of helplessness.

It behoves us all to emerge from that apathetic posture and remotivate ourselves to full participation in our country’s affairs, appreciate and properly value the efforts of our foreparents, whose sacrifices are well documented. Anything less is a dereliction of duty and should signal the loss of the right to complain, criticise, or commend.

Your right to vote should be considered sacrosanct and its exercise an important part of our democracy.

Ralston Nunes

ralstonnunes@gmail.com