Most people, if asked, would not be able to name their elected representative to the municipal council or corporation. Many would not even have bothered to vote in local body elections. This even though they are most directly impacted by the good or bad performance of their municipality. Now that the polls to the urban bodies are approaching, it is time for people to begin considering what their expectations are of those who are the closest representatives of democracy in their lives, playing an almost daily role.
Generally, people vote on party basis even at this level. That’s being lazy. No matter how much one agrees with a party’s ideology, or follows its leaders, it is a democratic imperative to exercise the choice provided by the secret ballot. It is always a possibility that, irrespective of one’s inclinations, the person from another party may represent one better. So, as the elections approach in Uttarakhand, both, the electors and the candidates should become acquainted in a formal way. Perhaps, debates can be organised at the ward level on the priorities and the vision of the respective candidates. This would not only educate the citizens on what is required, but also build a consensus on the priorities. After that, the tenure of the winner can be accordingly judged.
How about ward level manifestos? What has been the record of the incumbent in providing services during his or her tenure? Will the candidates from reserved wards be merely those chosen on the basis of caste or gender, will they represent a male counterpart, or do they have a record of social service of their own? It is worth finding out. And, of course, if someone has done a bad job, is it not necessary to vote that person out rather than endure another five years of poor performance irrespective of what community or caste he or she belongs to? If the general level of awareness in this regard is raised, it will lead to better selection, in the future, of candidates at a higher tier of democracy.
One should not believe that one is ‘above’ local concerns because of higher social strata. An open manhole or a potholed road can create problems for anybody. So, citizens of Uttarakhand and particularly Doon, inform yourselves and make the right choice.
