Democracy can not exist without free and fare elections. The General Election on Thursday 7th May are going to bring historic results and perhaps unprecedented realignment of political parties and their philosophies. It is natural that there can not be a political party or community that is totally homogenous. With all the commonalities there are certain individual attitudes and expectations.
In the 2015 General Election the main seven parties Conservatives, Labour, Liberal Democrats, Green, SNP, UKIP and Clwyd Cymru have their own individual agendas and, at the same time, they all claim to be in the service of the nation. Politicians run their campaigns but behind them are the strategists, academics and so many other specialists with their own theories and priorities. When, say an Australian becomes the main strategist for a main political party, it is inevitable that his recipe may not tune in with the common sense and wisdom of a British common person. No wonder David Cameron was criticised by his own supporters that their campaign lacked a resolve and gusto. He was asked to bring back the box, the soap box. On Monday David Cameron stood up on a soap box and was pumped up in his own words to make a clariant call for his supporters to win the war. His deputy for five years Nick Clegg laughed off Cameron's act as futile dramatics.
As I write this on Tuesday all the polls and expert opinions are going their different ways. The Daily Telegraph, a well known Conservative supporter, declared on Monday that the Labour Party was ahead of the Conservatives by 3%. On Tuesday the same paper gave a lead of some 4 or 5 % to the Conservative party. Surprising? Soap box effect? Pumped up brought such a quick result? One wonders. The Times gives both main parties almost identical percentage in their polls. In the Financial Times on Tuesday Labour was ahead by 3%. You take your pick. Either such pollsters follow the voting intentions or are encouraging voters to follow a pattern.
Democracy has one very prominent definition: “Government of the people, by the people and for the people”. Most attribute this statement to former American President Abraham Lincoln. There is another very relevant quote by another US President James Madison: “A free people requires a safe guard against the destructive power of factions”. The electoral fraud and intimidation in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets is a classic example but for the four courageous individuals a dictatorial gerrymandering could have prevailed in the most powerful position.
In the present election campaign certain issues are in the forefront: the EU, the SNP, housing, immigration and the NHS are the subjects which have generated so much hot air. A small faction of Euro sceptics managed to pressurise Prime Minister David Cameron to pledge an EU referendum. Immigration, a much maligned word, has cost the Conservatives dearly in the past.
One lesson to learn is not to surrender to the dictates of any one faction which then becomes the power broker. In any eventuality if the future government on Friday 8th May needs the involvement of the SNP, the sky is not going to fall on the UK. The Scottish people have for centuries played a pivotal role in the British power, influence and even ethos. Scaremongering and appeal to one's own fears or emotions cannot be justified to alienate an entire electorate of Scotland.
In any election the party in power and the opponents make various pledges primarily to eliminate the hardship of the people on some logical bases. In the present campaign the lead party in the Coalition government has made the largest number of “offers” or sales pitches.
Recently Which? Magazine produced a report that the giant supermarkets made £1 billion profit under the guise of so-called sales promotions and special discounts – maybe one day the promises and “bribes” of the parties will also be assessed correctly. What is not yet recognised is that a British common man has a unique blend of common-sense. Neither propaganda nor mass hysteria can produce the result as per the whim or the desire of some strategist. Emotional appeal beyond a certain limit is an anathema to the experienced British voter.
The ethnic minorities, especially Asians, have an enormous responsibility and important role in this general election. Some parties claim to have a large number of Asian candidates. We welcome all the candidates and their entry into the election whether they win or loose but whether the particular constituency was winnable or not is also off special importance.
As it appears now there may be a slightly larger number of Asian and other ethnic minority MPs in the House of Commons. So be it! We are part of the country and we have to contribute as much as we can.
Tactical voting is being promoted in marginal constituencies. Sometimes it may be not totally wrong or ignoble but as I said clearly last week the cast, creed or colour, cannot and shall not become the predominant factor. As a matter of fact democracy depends upon the inclusiveness rather than the factionalism or a parochial approach. Great Britain has been a beacon for democracy all over the world and I have every confidence that in spite of the contradictory pressures and promises the electorate will crystallise in such a way that the results will make us more confident and credit worthy.
I appeal to all our readers to make every effort not only to caste their own vote of Thursday 7th May but inspire, energise and assist all other voters to vote for the party and the candidate of their choice. Such opportunities come very seldomly. Let's make our mark with both head and heart.
