The Dangerous Quest for Power in Modern Politics

I'm not a fan of politics, but I can tell you for free that politics is indeed a dirty game. There is a popular saying that politics shouldn't be a do-or-die affair, but what do we see? It is always deadly, and the strongest take it by force.

Politics ought to be an avenue to enter the political system of a nation in order to serve the people and contribute one's quota to national development, as well as the upliftment and progress of one's immediate community and larger society. However, what do we see? The reverse is the case. The majority of those clamouring for power are doing so purely for selfish interests, having turned politics into a lucrative money-making venture. There is even a popular slogan: "It is national cake; let's take our share—nothing wrong with it."

If candidates and aspirants saw politics as a means to serve the people, I don’t think they would engage in senseless killings. How can you claim you want to serve the people by force? I believe we can serve humanity in any capacity we find ourselves. One does not have to become a president or governor to serve others. Even if leadership is the goal, it shouldn't be seen as a birthright that must be attained at all costs without considering the consequences of one's actions.

Human nature is predictable, especially within the political class. Many politicians believe they are the only ones fit to govern, and when a commoner dares to challenge them, they turn it into a war. I have seen political families that believe leadership positions belong exclusively to them and their relatives.

I have also witnessed politicians defecting to other parties just to cling to power, betraying the very parties that brought them to prominence. Another alarming trend is that of ruling parties that consider all opposition parties inferior and unworthy of survival.

Recently, in my state, a governor was elected by the people, but he is not from the ruling party. Since losing the election, the ruling party’s candidate has been disturbing the peace, all in the name of preparing for the next election. Ironically, he is already serving in another capacity as a minister. What else does he want? Must he be the leader at all costs, even at the expense of the very citizens he claims to want to serve? He has turned the police into his personal enforcers, ordering them around as he pleases.

Just a couple of days ago, several lives were lost in a local government election. Imagine that! Not even a presidential or governorship election, yet people died. The political system in this part of the world is truly troubling. It is not by force to serve the people, and we must remember that service can be rendered in any capacity.