ASKiNG RADiO Editorial
Vote Candidates Of Your Choice
February 16 is the day Nigerians will go out to vote for Candidates of their choice. In a democracy, Political Parties are formed and funded to lead in bringing dividends to the people. People should easily be able to track achievements and otherwise going by party manifestos and candidates’ blueprints or political ideologies.
Since the return of uninterrupted power to the people in Nigeria on May 29, 1999, many political parties have been formed and reformed, in the coming General Elections, more than 70 of the original and recycled parties are on the ballot.
In other countries with higher levels of literacy and political education, only about 2 or 3 parties are usually in the contest. But with more than 70 contesting for an individual vote in the coming Nigeria General Elections, it is obvious that the real voters will have issues running down the list of party names, multiple colours and emblems.
Political Parties whose names are down the alphabet line will likely face a great deal of disadvantage.
In the coming elections, people ASKiNG RADiO spoke to say they will not be voting for political parties, however, those candidates they believe in will be represented by their party emblem and not their names.
Going by previous experience in Nigeria, it is important to note that, the pattern of vote in the 2019 General Elections will not be on party dominance and or popularity but on Candidates of choice. On Saturday for instance, elections will be held across the country to elect a new President and Members of the National Assembly. Many citizens including this Writer will vote candidates representing different Political Parties, this means, I wont be voting for Candidates in one political party.
Many individuals who are holding public office are representing their people very well but have found themselves in political parties that are not popular among the populace.
It is the duty of Party Agents to guide the old and illiterate citizens on Election Day to cast their vote for Candidates of their choice.
It is expected that Nigerians will be allowed to exercise their franchise without interference from those who want it the other way.