Saturday, May 06, 2006

Election: a one-day snapshot of transient mass delusions

Today is major Election Day in Singapore; but there was not much fanfare or controversy surrounding to such a crucial date in this country's history. In some countries this is the turning point for their homeland's future; in this country state, however, it is just any other day -- more like voting for the class officers; I bet school politics would even be more exciting. The Presidential Election had passed without me even noticing it, because there was no one to contest the current one, so it was more of a walk-through.

I have never really paid much attention to the previous MP election, but after seeing the ad on TV on how to vote this next polling, it certainly grabbed my interest. The ad showed a sample ballot and how to fill it up; the surprising thing for me is that the voter only needs to put in a cross next to his choice. Choice of what you might ask. Not the candidate's name but the party name. Yes, they do party or block voting here. And, mind you, the ad finishes it off with the quote that voting is compulsory. Well, I thought that maybe they really needed to hear the voice of the people, for there really was not much Singaporean citizens; you also need to be twenty-two and above to vote here. What if you did not practised your right to vote? I heard you'd be asked to explain why you missed to exercise your right. Do you think he'd miss his Singapore shares in the following years?

Party voting wouldn't work in Philippine politics for those scoundrels change parties as often as they change mistresses. If one politician does not get his way in his current party, he'd cut off ties and join the other party who'd bend to his demands, or better yet, create his own party. Just think of a block wherein you have the best premium apple from the orchard mixed with a couple of rotten tomatoes, would you vote for that block against two green apples and an overripe chiku?

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