The Greatest Happiness Of The Greatest Number

Seram Neken *

In order to become politically conscious in a democracy, citizens need to actively participate in the discussions and deliberations related to elections of their representatives for each and every candidate, each and every party, if not in the feasts and tea parties. Election is an effective platform for political socialization in a democracy. So, let us freely involve in the electioneering process by taking part in meetings of political parties, listening to speeches of leaders and participating in discussions. Let us digest ourselves with burning issues of the society and chose the right candidate and right political party. Remaining aloof from election-time meetings and gatherings will be a great miss for responsible citizenry.– writes Seram Neken

The desire for one's own pleasure is the motive of an individual. The effort for bringing greatest happiness of all people in the society is the standard of social good and moral action. A government which strives for the greatest happiness of the greatest number of individuals in a state surely lives longer to serve the people longer. There is a saying that a people who loses its king is still a people, but a king who loses its people is no longer a king.

As the nation and its people are behind the government, the representative body is the best practical device for giving voice to people's aspirations. Election is the most important opportunity for citizens to express their aspirations and to participate in the policy formulation and execution of the government. Citizens give votes and responsible citizens vote for responsive leaders.

Right to vote is not given to minors and lunatics because they are not mature enough to participate in governance. Even adults who are not politically conscious may be termed as incompetent voters. Political thinkers such as Rousseau believe that since sovereignty resides in the people, it is the inherent right of every citizen to be entitled to vote.

However, other philosophers like John Stuart Mill have the contradictory view that right to vote is a privilege of only those who have proper capacity. The later view suggests that a voter should have the knowledge, awareness and consciousness in political affaires so as to be able to elect true representatives of the people.

In the ensuing 10th Manipur Legislative Assembly election 2012, money and muscle power will play a lesser role this time as strictures imposed by the Election Commission of India will not be only on papers. The instantaneous change of guards in Manipur Police department to make the polling free of undue interference by the state security is a concrete instance of how much the Election Commission of India is practical in its mission of executing a smooth poll.

Election expenditure for candidates is now limited to a maximum of rupees eight lakh only, which appears to be a mockery as compared to previous elections. This measure to reduce the role played by wealth in elections will be a great stride towards bringing about a fair representative democracy in the country.

A sudden change from 'Money does everything' to 'Money does nothing' will be surely effected in the forthcoming elections with the strict enforcement of code of conduct and limitation of election expenses as never before. Amidst hectic canvassing, candidates and their confidants find a hard time to record expenditure item by item, the lapse of which will amount to post-poll drilling by the election commission.

Agencies have become more vigilant this time with the purpose of enabling free and fair polling. The measures will help minimize corruption in governance and will enable true social activists to be elected to power. A brighter representation is on the cards in future elections.

In spite of being the ruling party for two previous terms, the Congress party in Manipur is apparently feeling headache amidst the tight rope created in the form of Election Code of Conduct as never before and due to the ban imposed by numerous underground outfits on it.

Still some imminent opposition leaders are on the run-up for congress tickets, as if the congress party still owns popularity. Even though the Congress in Manipur is boasting of having had the most stable government and having taken up many infrastructure development works in the state, the anti-incumbency factor is not totally unseen in the nook and corner.

Moreover, in Naga-dominated hill constituencies, the NSCN and the Naga Peoples Front are ready to fight the congress party tooth and nail. In such a political scenario, whether the congress will return to power again in the 10th Manipur Legislative Elections is a big query among the politically conscious groups and even among the laymen.

Poll date is just a few days away from today. Has the electorate become aware of the various issues of the state ? Have the voters properly scanned the competencies of their leaders ? On what basis the voters will exercise their rights ? Even though the measures for free and fair elections have been taken up widely, our voters still lack political consciousness.

During election time, agents like the political parties, pressure groups and media have to sensitize and mobilize the public on various issues so as to bring about political consciousness among the voters. The Election Commission of India has also to provide ample opportunities to the political parties, pressure groups and the media to mould public opinion. The voters need to study a number of options before giving their votes.

Although Manipur state has innumerable number of pressure groups for the welfare of the people, they seem to remain dumb during election time. Political parties in Manipur are apparently lethargic in sensitizing the people regarding social, economic, political and cultural issues.

No political party has yet released its Election Manifesto, even if election is just a fortnight away from today. The electorate needs a number of public meetings, literatures such as election manifestoes, broachers, pamphlets and leaflets to dwell on state issues. The role of media also needs to be greater during elections. As the Fourth Estate, media is an important agency to mould public opinion in a democracy. Media has a great responsibility for grooming responsible leaders in the government.

If not acting partisan towards particular candidates and parties, the various media organizations of the state need to create platforms for discussions and deliberations on election issues.

Only when there are plenty of opportunities for making the electorate politically conscious of state issues, we will be able to elect good and responsible governments. So as to bring about greatest happiness of the greatest number, each and every voter should participate in political discussions and deliberations.