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In today's world, political apathy has become a prevalent issue. People often feel disconnected from the political affairs of their state. One of the main causes of political apathy is when the leaders are not doing their job rightly. When citizens notice a lack of progress on the part of the leaders, they tend to turn a skeptical attitude toward the political affairs of the country. Also, another reason why people exhibit political apathy is when their safety is not guaranteed.
Here in my country and also in so many other African countries, elections are often characterized by violence, intimidation, and ballot tampering. Political thugs, hired by the political leaders , roam the streets, stealing and destroying ballot boxes, burning votes, and even attacking voters. The government turns a blind eye to this violence because it often benefits from the outcome. Why wouldn't they turn a blind it is them that controls the political thugs.
I'm in my early twenties, but I have never participated in a general election in my country. In all truth and sincerity, this goes beyond the confines of patriotism. I'm not unpatriotic, I'm only being careful. Growing up, I've always witnessed elections to be violent, and that is why my mum never lets us go outside the house during elections. During elections, no one is allowed to even step out of the house. All we do is sit down, turn on the TV, and watch the news.
Every election, we hear stories and watch on the news how people get hurt during elections. Worst still, lots of people even get killed. I'm sure you agree with me that it is better to stay indoors and watch the news than go outside and lose your life while voting. Who is to blame? The people who came out to exercise their rights or the government who failed to protect the rights of the citizens?
When I was growing up (during my primary school days), I had all kinds of dreams and aspirations. One of my most amusing childhood dreams was to become a soldier. I remember playing with toy guns and strategizing wars In my head. I remember how my mom bought a lot of stick-figured soldier toys for me. However, I never once dreamed of becoming a politician. This does not have anything to do with whether I'm a good leader or not. If anything, I'm pretty sure I'd make a very good leader. I'm always (maybe not always) to support my country, but becoming a politician? That is out of it.
I have realized that the political situation in my country isn't worth venturing into. It is unhealthy. It is the type of job where you’d always be uncertain of the future.
There are a few ills of politics I would love to change in my country. To start with, the security aspect is the most important part that should be checked. Citizens are not well protected and are often harassed during elections. Also, the transparency system is another aspect I would love to change. Most of the things are done in secrecy and this affects the final outcome.
Thanks for reading.