I agree with the idea that election is the cornerstone of our democratic government. When people express their will through the ballot, we know that democracy is working. Election to many however, is not mainly about upholding the ideals of our country and its institutions but more on personal victory. Victory in the elections certainly glorifies the victor and adds honor to his name. For who would not feel so honored when he is chosen from among other aspirants? It is by reason of this that election may have become too personal when it is supposed to be for the betterment of the people or the community. It saddens me as a candidate during the past election to have witnessed the severance of many relationships by reason of the differences in the choice of candidates. It made me worry as a member of the community myself, that the bond and relationship within the community have been sacrificed in the name of politics. Is this the price we have to pay? Or should there be any price to pay in the first place? It is for me an irony that the purpose of electing leaders is ultimately for the good of the community but at the expense of shattering the relationship of the individuals within the community.
In fairness to the candidates, they may not have been so involved in the mud slinging but it may have been some passionate supporters who feel that they should fight for their candidates. On the other side of this, I see that these people are passionate about fighting for their belief and this zeal is something that should not be lost after the elections. If a person can fight for his candidate even at the expense of his good relationship with his relatives, friends and community then I hope he can also have the same fervor in fighting for his country or community or even his family. What I do not understand is when a person is willing to sacrifice even his family just to support a candidate, yet runs away from his responsibility to his family or is unwilling to perform his duty as a member of the community. It is very unfortunate that the last elections have left wounded communities and families. Now that it is finally over, we have to pick up the pieces and rebuild the bridges that were burned. As a candidate myself during the last elections, victory would have been sweeter if friendships and good family relations remain even after the ballots were cast.
