By CEMOT
In the beginning, the election campaign centred on the subject of change, and all major political parties argued on those grounds. However, their differences occurred on how the change should occur. Was it through operating under the existing system or starting a new way of thinking and acting so as to address the problems related with poverty, healthcare, education, massive unemployment and corruption or by reshuffling the leadership of the incumbent ruling party and phasing out its way of thinking and acting?
The concern of this article is not where the expected change will emanate, but the rhythm of that esteemed change as manifested during the campaigns. It is clear that there new styles and mass gathering strategies were employed in the 2015 election campaigns. Forget about cargo trucks turning into legitimate means of public transport, artistes used to attract public attendance, hate language, helicopter trips, use of live coverage in mass media, to mention just a few
The problem is bigger than it has previously been. Children are now being as campaign tools. They are used to endorse political ideologies of candidates. They make a large portion of discussion in the social media.
Facebook, and Instagram users will agree to have seen a photo of a kid either directly saying something about candidate A or B, or showing a sign that reflects a similar message. It is a pity that parents or guardian are using those photos, video or audio clips to communicate their views while hiding behind the backs of their innocent children.
Not only that, some candidates have been spotted by the media asking the children who they support or what they know about a certain candidate. In some places, some children were allowed to address public rallies, endorse candidates and request votes on their behalf.
Who will pay the damage of the destruction made by politicians and their affiliates to the children of this country? For us who have observed the occurrences, such campaigns are uncivilized, as some campaigners are using abusive language. Who will be responsible with the mental damage done to the minds of the country’s beautiful little angels?
The National Electoral Act bars the minors’ involvement in election processes. They are not allowed to vote nor contest for any position. Yet they are being used in the campaigns? Who is responsible for this?
It is even worse as posts of pictures, audios, videos or description of children’s ideological positions are widely shared and receive massive sharings, tags, likes and comments. It is quite unfortunate that none of the public commentators show concern over the great harm done to those children. It is time to care and protect.
Who will pay the damage of the destruction made by politicians and their affiliates to the children of this country? For us who have observed the occurrences, such campaigns are uncivilized, as some campaigners are using abusive language. Who will be responsible with the mental damage done to the minds of the country’s beautiful little angels?
The National Electoral Act bars the minors’ involvement in election processes. They are not allowed to vote nor contest for any position. Yet they are being used in the campaigns? Who is responsible for this?
It is even worse as posts of pictures, audios, videos or description of children’s ideological positions are widely shared and receive massive sharings, tags, likes and comments. It is quite unfortunate that none of the public commentators show concern over the great harm done to those children. It is time to care and protect.
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