Think Before You Vote, Your Vote Shapes Next Five Years: MPJ

PRODDATUR – AP: Doruvu Paul Jagan Babu – Assistant Chief Editor: Every vote cast in the upcoming local body elections will have a direct bearing on the development of our towns, wards and villages, and voters must realise that their vote is not for a single day but for the next five years of governance, Movement for Peace and Justice (MPJ) State General Secretary Shaik Saleem said at a press conference on Monday.

‘Vote judiciously, not under influence’

Addressing press meet, Saleem urged voters not to fall prey to inducements such as money, liquor, gifts or other allurements. He appealed to the electorate to rise above caste and religious considerations and to cast an informed vote after scrutinising the candidate’s personality, commitment to public service, past performance and sense of responsibility towards people.

“Money, liquor and gifts offered today are temporary, but good governance for the next five years is far more valuable,” he said.

What kind of representatives should ee elect?

Listing out the qualities voters should look for, Saleem said the public should elect candidates who:

– Listen attentively to people’s problems and strive for solutions
– Remain accessible to the public at all times
– Work with honesty and transparency
– Treat public money as a public right and remain accountable for its use
– Stand firm against corruption and illegal practices
– Treat all citizens equally, beyond caste, religion and region
– Work for basic amenities like drinking water, sanitation, roads, drainage, street lights and public health
– Have a clear understanding of local issues and a concrete vision for regional development
– Remain accountable to the people even after the elections

Protect democracy, don’t sell your vote

Reiterating the campaign slogan ‘No Note for Vote – Let’s Protect Our Right to Vote’, Saleem stressed that a vote is not a commodity to be sold.

“Voting is a precious democratic right enshrined in our Constitution. Voters must make their decision based on a candidate’s merit, character, public service and track record, not on cash or freebies,” he said.

MPJ town president Hussain Basha, secretary Mohammed Rafi, and members Ghouse Lazam, Alla Bakash, Jafar and others were present at the press conference.