An Idiot's Guide to Voting In An Election
Given 99% of Mauritians don't know how to vote, I drafted a list of things to keep in mind when voting at an election:
1) Vote for the candidate, not the party. I agree individual candidates might not have enough influence within a party, which means a party's general profile is sometimes more important to the voter. But what would you rather have: a bench warmer at the Parliament or someone who would actually work for your constituency? At the end of the day, you also have to do what's best for your constituency.
2) Don't vote for whom your dad, your mom, your grandad, your ancestors,...etc vote for. If you are adult enough to vote, surely you are adult enough to make your own choices. Don't get co-erced into voting for certain candidates. If you do let yourself get influenced by people around you, then you are not fit to decide your country's and your constituency's fate!
3) Read the manifestos. If you can get one. I have only ever witnessed 2 general elections where I was old enough to know what was going on, and I have NEVER seen a manifesto! Of course, you might have to look around for one. You should do it. Know what to expect from a certain candidate, don't just blindly vote for the symbols which appeal to you on the voting forms! Vote for the candidate suggesting plans which are more in line with your own wishes.Do not be hypnotised by statements like 'bizin sanzman' or 'nu pu combat communalisme', go for more tangible and clear-cut policies.
4) Go to political meetings and try to see the candidates in flesh. Hear them speak. It's a good way to assess the personality of a candidate. Don't pay too much attention to the rhetorical statements they might blurt out because in the end, most of these candidates are just puppets. Search for traces of charisma, confidence, intelligence,...etc Someone with a good strong personality can do much more of a difference than a wimp.
5) Don't be too confrontational or disrespectful. Respect all parties, unless they reek of Schutzstaffel. You can hate some parties, but give everyone a fair chance. Listen to what they have to say before crucifying them. Of course you can criticise anyone, but do it in a rational manner. And if your best friend is voting for someone else, don't stop seeing him/her! Many elections have been marred by political activists fighting like school kids.
6) Religious affiliations DO NOT matter. I hate to have to spell this out, but people are still stupid enough to think that voting for someone from the same religious community as you is somehow better than voting for someone not having the same religious beliefs as you. It is simply not true. It is not a valid criterion when choosing who to vote for. I know this will be the most ignored point, but this needs to be repeated again and again till it finally sets in!
7) Do not vote for Party Malin. Or any other time wasters. There are loads of them out there. Although you should give everyone a chance, some do not deserve that chance! Party Malin? That's neither English nor French!!!! Front Merron? NOOO! Groupe Kasser Pake? NOOOOOOO! I also find it hard to take openly religious political groups seriously. So, don't waste your time with these people, focus all your attention on the people who mean business. Even if they are inexperienced, it doesn't matter as long as they have concrete ideas. But no, don't vote for Party Malin!
So, guys, I don't know if I missed any other important points to consider when voting. If I did, do tell me! And have a nice time choosing the people to represent you and your constituency at the next general election!!
