By Edet Unanaowo
Come 2019, another political year will be upon us. And the hunt for preferred political candidates is getting fierce as politicians try to woo the electorate for votes. This means politicians will be in your face for the next few months because your vote counts. However, before you make a choice on who to vote for, here are a few things to keep in mind.
Know the Candidates
If you desire green tea you need to know brands that deliver the best. This knowledge comes by seeking information. All contestants have a history. You need to gather as much information about them as you can. Specific things to look out for are – academic qualifications, performance in past leadership positions, political astuteness, people they have recruited and worked with over the years, political philosophy, family background etc. You can do this via google search, following their social media handles, and reading up political commentary.
Avoid Propaganda
In 2015 we ate propaganda for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Headlines and videos were flying all over the place. 2019 will not be different. Political parties will likely raise the bar in their games. You have a responsibility to filter the information they feed you. The best way to do this is to avoid reacting immediately to anything you hear about any candidate or party. Give it 48 hours. If the information is not countered with credible information, then it is likely to be true.
Pay Attention to Political Analysts
A couple of them will be partisan no doubt but you still need them. They provide information/debates about the political landscape, candidates, parties and most importantly permutation. This will come in handy in helping you make up your mind who to vote for. Remember you are putting down your signature in favour of someone you may never meet physically, so do not waste it. Radio is also a good medium for live interaction with political analysts.
Social Media Will Be At “it’s Worst”!
Expect the worst from social media. Fake news, fake statistics, fake pictures, fake videos. Do not be surprised when your DMs are flooded with a plethora of information. I will advise that you do not endorse anyone publicly on social media to avoid stories that touch (be sure someone will keep the tweet for “posterity”). Despite the plethora of false news, there will be key information that will guide your vote on social media. The trick is filtering the information. An easy way to do this is to follow credible handles. There are handles that have a track record of providing detailed and correct information.
In conclusion, remember this: your vote has the power to determine the course of 2019!! One bad policy can upset the business environment with ripple effects we may not fathom. One wrong decision can result in loss of lives. One bad presidential interview can tarnish the image of the nation.
So, sit back, think about the process, and vote right!
