Chapter 4 (5): Electoral Protests

Electoral Protests

If we do not unite as a nation to demand the change we desire, we will continue to be subjected to whatever the government deems suitable. Slavery and servitude will persist until we collectively rise and stand for what is right.

Electoral protest signifies that we are prepared to reclaim the ballot box from the entrenched old-guard politicians. It means we are ready to reject the leadership of those who have kept us stagnant for so long. Electoral protest is a declaration that we no longer accept godfatherism and want to be actively involved in the process that produces our leaders.

It is naïve to think that we have truly participated in choosing our leaders in the past, given that we were often forced to select from candidates presented by godfathers and political kingmakers. The reality is that we have been trapped within a system where the people’s voice is stifled, and genuine representation is rare.

To dislodge these old politicians and dismantle their tactics of malpractice and unstructured leadership, we must build a people’s force—a collective power that demands transparency, integrity, and progress. If we genuinely seek change for our nation, it must begin with the following:

1. Restructuring the Nation: A holistic restructuring is essential. Our nation’s overly centralised system concentrates too much power and resources at the centre, creating an environment where leaders engage in dirty fights to gain power. This centralisation is a breeding ground for corruption, and decentralisation could offer a solution by reducing the allure of central power and encouraging local governance. This would likely reduce electoral malpractices when power is diffused and it no longer look very attractive because decentralisation reduces concentration of funds at the centre.

2. Digitising the Electoral Process: Developing a fully digital and transparent electoral system is crucial. Advocates of manual voting systems often do so because it provides more opportunities for manipulation. Despite the arguments, manual systems are far more susceptible to rigging than digital ones. A shift to a digital electoral process can safeguard the integrity of elections and make every vote count. Recently, we have advocates who believe the use of blockchain in voting process will improve the security of votes in our society; I also believe in this.

3. Voter Education: Ongoing voter education is necessary to empower citizens to make informed choices. With adequate voter education, people will recognise that they have the power to protest through their votes every four years. Educated voters are less likely to be swayed by bribes or false promises, and more likely to hold their leaders accountable.

4. Developing Visionary Leaders: We must cultivate strong, visionary, and patriotic leaders, particularly among the youth. By creating a system that nurtures leaders with the right ideologies for national transformation, we can ensure the future is led by those who prioritise the nation’s interests. Leadership cannot thrive without a foundation of supportive documents outlining clear ideologies. Excellence cannot be replicated without defined processes, ideals, and programmes.

5. Empowering Citizens: Empowering citizens means shifting from a government-centred society to a people-centred nation. When citizens are empowered to understand that their worth goes beyond financial gain, corrupt politicians will find it difficult to buy them off. This empowerment must include creating opportunities across all levels, so that people can pursue success on their own terms, rather than being reliant on political favours.

6. Building a Community of Shared Ideologies: We must cultivate a community of people who share common ideologies, transcending party affiliations, regional divides, or religious beliefs. Voting patterns should be shaped by candidates who embody progressive ideas and policies that serve the collective good. Only then can we move beyond tribalism and sectionalism to build a truly unified nation.

Winning elections is not an overnight achievement; it requires building a structure that can capture leadership positions. When we elect leaders who identify with our ideologies and interests, we can more easily advocate for the changes we believe in. And if they fail to deliver, we will vote them out. The power lies with us—the people—if we choose to use it wisely.

How Protests Can Influence Electoral Process or Change of Government

Throughout history, we have seen the power of collective action in the fight against oppressive leadership and unjust systems. Protests and movements, when organised with a clear vision and purpose, have often led to the successful removal of incumbent governments and the subsequent development and progress of communities. However, it is essential to recognise that not all protests lead to immediate success, and the key to lasting change often lies in the moral foundation and integrity of the movement itself.

One of the most prominent examples of successful protests leading to meaningful change is the Indian Independence Movement. Led by Mahatma Gandhi, this movement was not only a fight for freedom from British colonial rule but also a moral revolution based on non-violent resistance. Gandhi’s concept of Satyagraha (truth and non-violence) became the backbone of the movement, and despite many challenges, the Indian people remained steadfast in their commitment to peaceful protest. The success of the movement resulted in India’s independence in 1947, but more importantly, it set a precedent for non-violent civil disobedience that inspired movements around the world, from the Civil Rights Movement in the United States to anti-apartheid protests in South Africa.

Similarly, the “People Power Revolution” in the Philippines in 1986 serves as an example of how peaceful protest can bring about the removal of a dictator and pave the way for democratic governance. Millions of Filipinos took to the streets to protest against the corrupt regime of President Ferdinand Marcos, whose rule had been marked by human rights abuses, electoral fraud, and economic decline. Despite the potential for violence, the protesters remained peaceful, and their perseverance ultimately led to the ousting of Marcos and the restoration of democracy in the Philippines. This revolution not only removed a tyrant but also set the country on a path towards political reform and economic recovery.

A more recent example is the “Arab Spring” that began in 2010, which saw waves of protests across the Middle East and North Africa, starting in Tunisia and spreading to Egypt, Libya, Yemen, and beyond. In Egypt, the protesters gathered in Tahrir Square, demanding the resignation of President Hosni Mubarak, who had ruled for nearly 30 years. Through relentless protests and the power of social media, the Egyptian people were able to bring down Mubarak in 2011. Although the aftermath of the Arab Spring has been complex and varied across the region, in Tunisia, the movement led to the establishment of a more democratic system of governance, and the country continues to develop its democratic institutions today.

However, while these protests resulted in significant victories, it is vital to remember that movements rooted in a moral compass, rather than just anger or rebellion, tend to bring about more lasting change. Martin Luther King Jr. understood this well. In his final speech, “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop,” delivered on 3rd April 1968, King said, “I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the Promised Land.” King recognised that while he may not witness the fulfilment of his dream, his faith in the righteousness of the cause and the resilience of his people would ultimately lead to success. This vision of progress, grounded in moral integrity, is what sustained the Civil Rights Movement and led to the dismantling of institutionalised segregation and discrimination in the United States.

In contrast, protests that lack a virtuous foundation can lead to chaos, as witnessed in certain parts of the world. The fall of a dictator does not always guarantee immediate peace and prosperity. For instance, after the fall of Muammar Gaddafi in Libya, the country descended into a civil war due to the lack of a unified vision for the future and competing factions vying for power. This illustrates that successful movements must not only focus on removing bad leadership but also on building a cohesive and inclusive society that fosters long-term development.

Thus, the most powerful protest against bad leadership is when individuals choose to live with integrity and lead by example. It is when people embody the change they wish to see in the world that movements gain momentum and create enduring progress. Just as Gandhi’s non-violent resistance set the tone for India’s independence, and King’s moral leadership shaped the Civil Rights Movement, we too must stand for justice, truth, and integrity. When the light of righteousness shines, the darkness of corruption and oppression inevitably disappears.

Ultimately, the legacy of these movements reminds us that while protests can be catalysts for change, it is the moral vision, collective responsibility, and the willingness to build a better future that ensures lasting progress. As global citizens, it is our duty to stand up for what is right, not only in times of crisis but in our everyday lives, paving the way for a brighter and more just world.