To Vote or Not To Vote

To Vote or Not To Vote has always been the nagging question that bothers me every election season. There are just so many reasons flowing through my mind that somewhat convince me not to vote only to be tempered by some fundamental considerations.

As a student of political science in my undergraduate, we were told that the act of electing government officials is the highest form of democratic exercise. It is through voting that one expresses one’s sentiments and aspirations for the government and therefore, a vote is like a brick needed in the establishment of a strong and effective government. Choosing a leader thru an election is the highest manifestation of a responsible citizenship.  Over the years, I am hands-off to that ideals. And so, I keep on voting and I have held my single vote as important as all the rest. It may only be one but this can make a difference in an election result.

However, living day by day looking at various undemocratic practices from top to bottom, I cannot help but become apathetic and lukewarm toward election, short of becoming apolitical.

Political positions have all the more become the privilege of few families, of those who have the means of buying votes through whatever means.

Perpetuation of political dynasties is even more entrenched in the democratic system than it ever was. Members of these political clans act as if it is their birthrights to hold power, big or small. They assume roles no less than the royalties of a monarchical states whose names are preceded, not by royal highness, but by “honorable.”These political dynasties seemed to be unmindful of delicadeza and the constitutional prohibition against it.

Once elected, the vicious cycle keeps on running, the business of politics runs its dirtiest course, rearing its ugly head, unfortunately, fueled by public fund. The ordinary people continue to languish on the losing end. Democracy becomes a mockery.

A huge segment of the population seems not to learn. They keep on voting for the unfits. They are easily swayed by well-oiled propagandists and apologists that dominate social media platforms. Their sense of judgment is no longer of a discerning and responsible citizen rather of nothing less than a member of a cult. They evade facts and truths because they chose to believe in half-truths and lies.

Democracy is so fragile that it should be founded on a critical public that never tire in finding and deliberating on what is good for the state and the general welfare.

These are just some realizations that boggles my mind every election time. Is there still hope? Must I lose hope? Should I still cast my vote or not?