Choosing the Right Candidate

Photo by: United Nations Photo

The first question that we should ask a candidate is, “Who are you?” In this question, we try to know the background of the candidate in terms of his educational attainment, the environment where he or she grew up and the family for which he or she was raised, and his character as a person. Is he or she a God-fearing fellow? The popularity and the good-looking aura of a candidate are not a guarantee of his leadership.

The second question would be, “What did you do?” In this question, we try to look at the things done by the candidate in his or her previous way of living as a constituent. Has he or she ever done goodness to the common people? Were there any personal or social issues that this candidate indulged into, thus affecting his credibility and morality? Is he or she concerned with environmental issues that are prevalent in the community? Can this candidate sacrifice himself, his time, treasure and family for the sake of leadership and welfare of the people? What you have done in the past will predict what you will do in the future.

The third question would be, “What will you do?” In this question, we try to discern the truthfulness or sincerity of the platform or things the candidate would do if ever elected to the position he or she is aiming for. Is the plan presented attainable and really helpful to the community? What would be the impact if the plan is implemented? Does it improve the economic condition of the community? Does it address the present challenges of our place?

The future of our country, especially the future of our children, lies in our hands as electorate populace of this nation. We should bear in mind that a three-year-tenure, if we mistakenly choose the wrong leader, is a long agony for our constituents, municipality, city or nation, as the case may be.

We must punish the crooked officials and reward the deserving leaders by choosing the right one. If we sell our votes, it is just like we are selling our rights to a bright and peaceful future. If that were the case, we do not have the right to complain if the leader we vote for will abuse us, take advantage of the power of his position, and spend the nation’s treasure for his vested interest and personal gain. Our actions may make or unmake us.

Our mood or decision as to whom we will entrust our votes with will determine what kind of electorate we are. If we want progress and development in our locality and country, we must therefore do our part. We should not be swayed by the sweet talks, intimidations, dirty tricks, and deceiving strategies of the politicians just to gain our support and vote for them. Let us be vigilant enough and fight hand and hand to eradicate the terminal illness of graft and corruption in the bureaucracy.

We, the Filipino youth, have a vital role in building our nation. Let us be the catalyst of change in our respective places. Let us start within ourselves, then educate others and inspire them to do the right thing. After all, our future is at stake.

May God bless us all!

(byJimmyGamazonJr)
Issue No.1;1st Semester, S.Y. 2015-2016