In few days we are asked to return to the ballots to elect a government and an opposition upon whom we would rely for the good functioning of a democratic country like ours. This election however has a greater significance altogether. There are some extremely important issues to consider this time. On one hand there is a case of whether we want a second republic but also are we in favour of a system where the president of the republic holds crucial powers. Powers that could compromise the very ethos of a democratic sovereignty.

This is not a time to be blinded by promises from the opposition or some desperate last minute ‘feel good’ effects from the government. An electorate has a duty to cast their votes but the message is of responsibility and discipline. Choosing a government is a complex matter. On this occasion there are bigger issues at stake hence this exercise has to become a very careful process. A mindful electorate will undoubtedly pass a judgement on the ruling government and based on its performance, or lack of it, will make an informed choice irrespective of new alliances or not.

In the midst of the electoral campaign we hear a number of promises, some too good to be true. The government, in a last ditch, has also come forward with some election winning decisions. The recent increase in old age pension come to support this. With regard to the electoral manifesto ‘cut and paste’ or not, it has indeed arrived quite
late. This shows how unimportant this document is, which otherwise would have formed the basis of their campaign.

This election should not be about personality or how popular a politician is. It is about performance, policies, credibility and integrity. It should also be an opportunity to sanction those who did not perform either as Ministers or parliamentarians.