By David Onwuchekwa
Once again, the political storm gathers and another round of electoral process in place to determine who becomes the Governor of Anambra State through voting in the coming dispensation.
This is a stage when voters are expected to identify politicians who offer fake democracy dividends to stop them. This is the time to identify politicians who make false promises of democratic progress or benefits that never materialize. A time like this calls for vigilance, informed participation, and collective action.
This is the time for the electorate to research candidates, check their track records, voting history, and consistency in values. The electorate should fact-check their promises using independent sources to verify the feasibility and truthfulness of their claims.
Watch actions of the politicians and find out whether they are strengthening institutions, transparency, and rule of law or just saying the right words palatable to the ears.
Voters should demand accountability and that could be achieved through town halls, debates and civic reforms. Social media must be used to press for transparency.
Voters have the right to ask tough questions. If a politician claims to have delivered democracy dividends such as better governance, rule of law, citizen participation, done this, done that, ask for proof.
Promote awareness among voters about what real democracy looks like, which must be anchored on strong institutions, free press, fair elections, and civic freedoms.
Encourage media literacy to reduce the impact of propaganda and manipulation.
There is need to strengthen electoral integrity and advocate for reforms that increase transparency in campaign finance and prevent vote-buying or manipulation.
Performance should be rewarded and leaders who fail to deliver must be voted out.
The electorate must join hands and support civic society groups that monitor governance and mobilize citizens.
Whistleblowing and investigative journalism are very important this time around as ever. There is need to protect and promote journalism that exposes fake dividends and hold leaders accountable.
Citizens must support freedom of information laws that make it easier to track government actions and spending.
That way the citizens can achieve near perfection in electing the right Governor of Anambra State for the next dispensation. The earlier, the better.
