The first part of this article dealt with some statistics to prove that there was voter apathy in the last 2023 election in Oyo State.
Before I go further to deal with the second part, I want to apologise for the misspelling of the key word “apathy” which was misspelt as “aparthy” at some point in the first part of this article. It wasn’t intentional; but, sometimes, the buttons we are pressing are faster than the brain and can be, if you permit, troublesome, at times.
Now, what I like to deal with in the second part of this article is Why is voting so important during elections?
Why is voting so important during elections?
Abraham Lincoln was right when he said that “the ballot is stronger than the bullet”. This means the power of voting is stronger and better than the power of violence.
The answer to the question “why is voting so important during elections” will go a long way to change the orientation of many people among us who have not been taking voting serious as they ought to.
To answer the important question “why is voting so important during elections”, I like to say that voting is important during an election because it gives people the power to shape their government and influence decisions that affect their lives. The following are some other key reasons why voting matters in the world we live:
- Democracy in Action:
Voting is the foundation of democracy which often ensures that leaders are chosen by the people, not by a select few.
Election always provide the platform through which voting takes place. It is election that gives room for democracy to thrive. During election people go out to exercise their civil right through the ballot. This ballot is what voting is all about.
Any community where people are not allowed to vote freely in a fair and credible election is an authorian or autocratic community, which can never exprience real and genuine success.
- Representation:
It allows citizens to elect representatives who align with their values, needs, and interests.
The President, to the members of the joint National Assembly (senators and Honourable), members of State Assembly (honourables), chairman of Local Government and councillors, etc are all elected into their offices through the ballot to represent the people with a view to speak and act on their behalf by making life better for them through dividends of democracy.
- Policy and Laws:
The leaders elected through voting make decisions on laws, policies, taxes, healthcare, education, and more. Your vote helps determine these outcomes.
The power and authority that voting into office confer unto each elected individual cannot be quantified. It is such given power and authority that accords the political office-holders the right to govern and manage state affairs.
- Accountability:
Acoujtability is the soul of every business. Governance can only be measured as as a success or failure through accountability.
Now, it is voting that holds politicians accountable for their actions. If leaders do not fulfill their promises, people can vote for change in the next election.
- Every Vote Counts:
In many elections, results can be decided by a small margin. Your vote can make a difference in shaping the future.
We have seen cases where it was only one vote cast determined the winner in a simple majority election.
- Protecting Rights and Freedoms:
Many people fought hard for the right to vote. Participating in elections honors their efforts and helps protect democratic freedoms.
- Local and National Impact:
Elections at all levels (local, state, and national) affect daily life, from roads and schools to national policies and international relations.
In conclusion, by voting, you ensure that your voice is heard and contribute to the direction of your community and country.
Pst. Favour Adéwoyin,
Writer, Public Analyst, Current Affairs Commentator, Content Creator ans Community Developer.
