How to take advantage of election fever
It’s that time again. Election is in the air and just like Christmas the feeling takes over even the more sceptical of believers and puts us in a frenzy that we cannot control. Heated debates, sudden feelings of excitement when you see flashing red, green and blue bells and the pressure to buy gifts for people (Well, on the politicians’ side). What if I told you, that in Dominican culture it is very wise to approach election fever in a manner that you can benefit in the best possible way from this political frenzy? In a country burdened by pull string since the beginning of time, it is sad, but true. Here are 5 ways you can take complete advantage of election fever and walk out like a boss.
1. Stay calm and remain neutral
It really doesn’t benefit you to jump 100% on the political party train. It involves lots of volunteerism and very little reward. Be aware of actual issues in Dominica and form your own opinion of both political parties based on the work that they do for the betterment of our nation. Give right to whoever is right regardless of what party they belong to and shun the bad, no matter where it comes from.
2. Go with the flow
At this time all politicians are interested in votes. It’s what will determine whether or not they can continue their political career and support the lifestyle that they have been living ever since they were introduced to the political scene. They
need us and we need them. So if you are given an offer in return for a vote, consider it carefully. If you and your family can receive long term benefits from a promise for vote trade, then why not go along with it? What benefit is it to you if
you say no? Really…think about it.
3. Push your agenda
Remember that life plan, that dream, that fool-proof scheme to make it; Whatever it is; going abroad to study, starting your own business or improving your community, now is the time to push it. Remember, politicians need votes. And we need opportunities. Do you see where I’m going with this? Nothing is better for a politician to use as a topic for campaigns than the assistance that he/she has given to aspiring youth. So take advantage of the situation while it is in its peak. Put together your proposal and budget and take a brave step into your parliamentary representative’s office. Nothing beats a trial but a failure.
Give it a go! This might just be the opportunity of your life. Political parties have specific budgets for entrepenuers, community activists and such and would be more than glad to help you get your dream on the move as long as you are serious, determined and honest. So take the risk and push your agenda.
4. Take this as an opportunity to actually understand politics in Dominica
Politics is a game, similar to monopoly, and at this time, everyone is playing to win. Sometimes it gets dirty. People cheat, lose property, take big risks and in the end someone has to win and someone has to loose. Good old monopoly. And no, it’s not cool for a young tax paying citizen like you to be ignorant of how the people we voted are handling our resources and managing our
economy. Listen to campaigns, attend debates (whenever there are sensible ones) read articles and talk to government officials. Understand what is going on in your country and form your own perspective on our political climate. If you’re like me this will be just your second time voting so don’t let it catch you like the first time. Wise up! Be in the know.
5. Analyse the politician
There is no better time to analyse the politician and understand his/her true form than during election fever. A sense of intoxication usually overcomes their kind at such a time which bars their sense of inhibition causing all sorts of reckless
statements and actions to come to the light. Now is the time to really analyse what politicians are about. Follow their speeches, analyse the events that they chose to attend and make up your mind about whom this politician really is behind the Public Relations strategy set out for him/her. I guarantee that your outlook will definitely change…….Hakuna Matata.
Nicki
Clearly, Nicki does not have a clue what democracy is. It was indeed the late Martin Luther King who said tn a time of moral crisis we cannot be neutral. Nciki says to be neutral. Nciki encourages electors to accept a bribe which is contrary to our Elections Act, quite apart from the fact that bribery is morally deplorable. This says a lot about who Nciki really is and what she stands for. A person without a moral compass. Shame on Nicki. She should really stick to drinking coconuts This commentary is deplorable!
Good consensus of responses here.
Share the concerns about voting for personal gain.
Alas, it may indeed reflect the sad context of current electioneering in Dominica.
Point no.1 is an excellent one….
Oh Nicki! Reading your article gives little hope for moral values in politics.
It appears that you need a dose of political education to enhance your level of consciousness.
There is a distinct difference between politics and politicians, you fail to recognize this basic fact and sadly you may be better positioned to influence the youth.
Politics is the practice and theory of influencing other people on a global, civic or individual level. More narrowly, it refers to achieving and exercising positions of governance — organized control over a human community, particularly a state.
With this in mind selecting politicians during a general election goes far beyond your narrow-minded recommendations stated in your article. In other words, this is not a joke, because politicians can create a living hell for a country, just as they can create a paradise. So do not jumble up all politicians in the same bag.
I understand your cynicism because of what you have experienced over the last fifteen years but believe me, it can be better than what we now have.
Stop being so hard in nicking. She is saying it exactly as it is. It’s widely known votes are ‘sold’ and that voters take things from both sides no matter who they end up voting for. It’s the only time they get what they want from the politicians in a country were everyone is struggling. Keep it up girl. They are all just hypocrites and don’t like that you exposed them so clearly
4. Take this as an opportunity to actually understand politics in Dominica
5. Analyse the politician
As you rightly said you did not apply those when you voted. What is the purpose of this column, Really?
This article is very good. It views politics from a common sense point of view. This is political utopia.
But in reality it will not happen. Opposition to sitting politicians will always try to demonize their opponents in a good guy bad guy syndrome. It is “Throw them out because we are better”
Elections are polarized, and are only won by the swing of the pendulum.
But I like your prospective. Reading between the lines I would say that our “Adult” leaders are selfish and have let down and misled our youth. That is why the world is in such bad state.
“If you and your family can receive long term benefits from a promise for vote trade, then why not go along with it? What benefit is it to you if you say no? Really…think about it”
Sorry, but this advice condones BRIBERY which is against the law. It cheapens democracy and individual freedom to vote wisely. Be patriotic by thinking of Dominica first before your selfish gain.
But thats all its about….selfishness.. for example, Politicians dont cross the floor for sake of country! they do it for personal gain!
Nikki nothing personal Okay!
I am not impressed wonder how long DNO will permit this column?
Honestly nothing new or of consequence in this piece (sorry)
Debate, Is DA a debating country re: politics?
As much as I think LL is a ………………………..Ur choice when filling the blank reader. Who will he debate? Not that guy who accidently became P.M by default and can hardly speak let alone allow himself to be exposed interlectually.
The guy is not made up of this material.
It ain’t gonna happen even if the population request it.
We have certainly regressed40 yrs. The Mid- late 70’s seems a dream today. Is there any other country in the region let alone the world where it’s leader is verbally compromised/challenged and needs therapy let alone debate?
The answer is NO.
Give the young lady a break. A lot of young people do not fulfill their potential because the do not get opportunity if the try to be impartial and address matters on an issue basis.
If you do not like the song do not hate the singer. I like the song that she is singing. It is a good song. I do not know and the young lady and may never meet her, but I wish my children would be influence by her instead of the politics as it stand today. Lady this is a giant step. Thanks.
You should welcome the negatives that will be posted against you and learn from them. They are food for research in seeking truth.
I hope you and DNO and readers will have a lasting relationship, and your op-ed POV’s will always examine issues because what you have written so far is relevant to the world. Do not let the skeptics deter you. See you next week.
Testing to see how long dno goin to take too moderate comments for this article…u all got to do btr than that… it makes the site so boring now
Love the article but point #2 though…. hmmmmm…. im not sure wat ur encouraging. that politicians shud be able tp bribe u?
Everyone should support their party in full force!
I suggest you stick to writing on fashion Nicki. I really enjoyed your first article but this one is way off target not to mention that some of what you have mentioned may be illegal under Dominica’s election law!
Well said. I was soooo looking forward to her work after first reading the piece on fashion. I will just put this one somewhere to the back of my mind and look forward to the next. I remain hopeful
No. 1 has been my MO for years.