by Lakshmi Swami

Created on: December 04, 2009   Last Updated: December 05, 2009

Voting in elections is not mandatory. But it should come from one's conscience that he is a citizen and has earned the right to vote to become a partner in the running of the Government he has chosen. But it is not so because once the elections are over, those elected rarely care for the voter. There ends the matter with the elected and the elector. There is a flaw in the system. This should be corrected.

The ordinary citizen has hardly anything to say or he or she prefers to sit and watch. The citizens share some of the happy news like winning a game or medals in Olympics for the country or an achievement like going to the moon or doing something extraordinary by the citizens. The citizens love to share the pride. In times of defeat or loss, the country shares the loss or defeat.

Voting is a privilege of a citizen. He should vote and he should voice his concern through newspapers or the media that is convenient for him to put across his point of view. The Government should set up a cell where people may voice their opinion and monitor their notes and act respecting their views to bring common benefit to people.

There are some who feel that voting in elections is their duty as citizen and a responsibility too. The matter should not end there. It should be his responsibility too to be vigilant. He should follow the day to day administration and keep a watch over the performance of the person he elected from his constituency. He will also feel enthused to work keeping in mind that people from his constituency are watching,.

I live in a constituency and the representative is very helpful. He thanks the person who needs clarification or help. He immediately responds. I am not sure how many make such friendly gestures. The Government should take steps to ensure such assistance.

President Obama is taking proper steps to enroll young men and women to organize America to do acts of service by interacting with people. They are to find out how they are doing under the new Government and their needs.

'Organizing America' has regular meetings, and it trains willing people to take care of the country's welfare. In a democracy if people are reluctant to vote, it doesn't stand as democracy and it will be a government of the few for the few and of the few, giving scope for a despot to emerge!

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