Barrister Fabian Awhen
Once again, we are locked in the game of politics as we proceed on our match to another political transition, this time critical as it is from one civilian administration to another.
In other words, the floodgate of politics has been thrown open and politics is here with us again.
This means that the fate of the nation is once more being reposed in ordinary Nigerians to choose their leaders, while the politicians can announce and advertise themselves and promote their course.
The question now is, where do we go from here? How have we prepared ourselves collectively and individually to ensure effective participation to vote candidates of our choice which is the beauty of democracy as we begin a countdown to the general elections?
We need not seek an answer to this question because we all know by now that the only means by which we can be active participants in the election of our representatives at both the state and national levels is by turning out to vote for candidates of our choice.
In other words, voting is imperative in the forthcoming general elections in the country, to ensure that credible leaders are elected.
This by all measures is a civic responsibility that we must perform for the sustenance of our democratic culture.
This is essentially so because it gives us collectively as a people a voting strength and as individuals the franchise to vote and be voted for and above all the right to participate in an organized election.
Indeed, the right to participate is an essential element of democratic government inseparable from such other attributes of democracy as consent, accountability, majority rule, equality, and of course, popular sovereignty.
From Aristotle to John Darwin, political philosophers have extolled popular participation as a source of vitality and creative energy in defense against Tyranny and as a means of enacting collective wisdom.
For Rousseau, the state is the collective moral person formed by the whole body of citizens.
The government is therefore merely an organ by which the state’s desire shall be carried into effect.
This means, that a credible government must operate on the general will of the people or citizens.
This is the abstract moral will, which serves the best possible interest of the generality of the citizens.
Obviously, by involving many in the affairs of the State or in the act of selecting our leaders, we are not only promoting this philosophy but ensuring the course of justice, equality, and stability in the polity.
Thus, securing for ourselves the greatest good for the greatest number is the greatest goal for any democracy in any civilized society as postulated by John Stuart Mill.
This can only be achieved if we vote for credible candidates of our choice.
To say the least, the nation is currently witnessing a change that would mark the beginning of changes, a change that will also mark the dawn of a new era in the democratization process in the nation with the success of a smooth transition from one civilian administration to another.
You will be part of the success story, if and if only you participate actively in the Two Thousand and Seven April General Elections and vote for credible candidates of your choice.
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