AS we count down to March2, 2020, several differences exist between the younger and older generations in respect to voting attitudes. The older generations are perhaps better versed in the importance that society bestows upon the right to vote. The younger generations have arguably struggled with grasping the same understanding, or perhaps resting the same level of importance upon the subject.
Nonetheless, the right to vote is considered one of the most important and fundamental constitutional rights. Subject to certain exceptions, most individuals are entitled to exercise their right to vote and participate in the democratic process. If we consider Guyana’s historical context, then the right to vote was earned through blood, sweat and tears. The young nation’s colonial history and subsequent fight for self-determination makes the right to participate in the democratic process all the more poignant.
For those who do not wish to exercise their right to vote or participate in the democratic process, many would argue that they consequently lose the right to be able to legitimately question the actions of those elected to office. Voter abstention is also a serious form of protest, and is one that is exercised by some citizens across the world. There are several types of abstainers, the most common two being those who intentionally withhold their vote, perhaps as a form of protest, and those who are careless or negligent in exercising their rights.
We will focus on the careless and negligent, as it might be akin to pouring water on a duck’s back to discuss intentional voter abstention. There is quite a big difference between those who are informed and choose not to vote, and those who are uninformed or undereducated on the matter. A large percentage of those who fall into the latter category simply do not care to exercise their right to vote. So we have the uninformed and undereducated abstainers to deal with. In order to reach this category of people, the burden of educating the electors rests on the shoulders of those who wish to take office: The candidates and parties. It is their duty to ensure that electors are aware of the issues and the solutions which their parties wish to bring to the table.
Electors should be able to legitimately question and interrogate the manifestos, plans and policies of those wishing to take office. Voting is a participatory process; one which should begin at the start of campaign rallies and continue throughout the tenure of whichever administration takes office. One’s vote should not end on Election Day; that vote of confidence should continue to be scrutinised far beyond Election Day. This participatory approach might reach the uninformed and undereducated, as many often lament that parties pander to the public during elections season, only to collect their vote and then disappear afterwards.
Admittedly, many citizens are sometimes frustrated by the culture of politics in Guyana. They have become desensitised and are disenfranchised by a long history of political ineptitude. However, times must change, and it cannot be denied any longer that Guyana is on the up and up. During the course of the present administration’s tenure in office, Guyana has made strong and steady strides to combat many of the historic social ills that have hindered the proper development of the Guyanese society. The success of this administration cannot be taken for granted.
A society’s values are borne out of shared ethics, morals and principles which transcend generations, religion, ethnicity and other definitive characteristics. These ethics, morals and principles are often reflected in the laws of the land to further enforce the nature of that society’s values and therefore culture. The democratic process facilitates the exercise of the right to choose parties and candidates who reflect those closely held morals and principles. The consequent right to vote is then an expression of one’s right to participate in the democratic process. Guyanese are encouraged to express and enjoy their rights at this pivotal point in our nation’s history.
