50% + 1 – The Power of Your Vote

Just like that, another 4 years is here and we’re heading back to the polls.

This time, I’ve silently observed events unfolding from the sideline and it’s been an interesting watch.

The one thing that’s remained constant is that politicians will do just about anything to get /hold on to power.

Their desperation is so nauseating and almost sad to watch; but very telling.

Suddenly, roads are being fixed, arrears are being paid, and the promises are getting so desperate that I won’t be surprised if AIR is on the table.

Politicians are able to deliver in weeks, what they couldn’t in years; which is all the evidence we need to know that they CAN, they just DON’T.

But for me, this years elections is NOT about the politician, it is about the ELECTORATE.

Slowly they’re becoming more politically conscious/aware and recognizing the power in their vote.

They can no longer be easily swayed with glossy promises, yam and t-shirts and the many “gifts” politicians throw their way.

If anything, some have become so aware that they may accept your gifts, wave your flags, scream your name use your hashtags and still vote against you.

A politically conscious electorate knows the POWER in their vote.

So as you head to the polls it is my wish that you recognize this power and vote along these lines.

Your vote matters, and is the reason why a candidate must secure 50% + 1 to win an election, you can be the ONE.

So feel free to be selfish with your vote; ask yourself what YOU want in a leader and representative, what you will get in return for your vote and if the person is deserving of it.

Because whoever you elect must represent you, your goals, values and vision; they must reflect you.

You’re also under no obligation to vote in favour of the masses or what’s popular; vote for who YOU want even if it’s not the most popular.

Ignore the billboards, mass text messages, catchy songs and all the theatrics politicians are marketing to you; like any product an advertisers sole purpose is to get you to BUY.

But it’s your job to make a SMART buy; read the fine print where the ingredients and Terms & Conditions strategically placed. This way you will know what it really contains, if it can do what it says, the side effects and if it’s even safe for you.

Because unlike other products; this one will take 4 years to return and by then the damage will already be done.

So before you place your thumb on that paper, think carefully about what YOU want and the Ghana you hope to see.

Check the track records of each candidate, how they’ve delivered on their promises, their integrity and if they’re selling fake goods with expensive price tags.

Then pause, reflect and cast your vote without fear or judgement; because there’s a reason why your vote is secret, it’s so you can be completely honest with yourself without pressure.

But once you settle on your decision on who to vote, your work doesn’t end there.

The real work is in how you hold your leaders accountable to the promises they make.

You can’t vote people into power, fold your arms and hope they deliver.

They represent us and our interests, and just as we vote them to power to do this, it’s our responsibility to guide them along the way.

Remember they’re there to represent your interests and not theirs.

In case you don’t already know, below are your presidential candidates and how they will appear on the ballot box.

For more information on the elections, how to check your registration and other information click here Ghana Electoral Commission

images by : Emmanuel Bobbie