Canadian Idle

May 27

During the next few weeks, political candidates will give their best performance in hopes of getting the most votes - a la 'Canadian Idol', minus the glitz and hype generated amongst the 'Idol' electorate. Unfortunately, it seems that the 20-something generation views the federal election as something of a "Canadian Idle", not worthy of its attention. But the malaise of voter participation is not confined to a particular age group. We Canadians have shown an increasing apathy when it comes to voting: in 1984, 75.3 per cent of eligible voters participated in the federal election. Four federal elections later, in 2000, that number had dropped steadily to 61.2 per cent. It is a worrisome trend, pointing towards segregation of our society into two groups: those who will make decisions for those who do not care to be part of the process.

The trend is puzzling, given the number of nations that have entered into democratic elections since 1984. The euphoria of the fall of the Berlin wall, followed by multi-party elections in former communist-bloc nations, should inspire those who live in a democracy to reflect upon the fragility and value of political participation through empowerment by the single vote.

Sacrifices and struggles elsewhere should remind us to never take our democracy for granted. Remember the students at Tianemman Square who were killed. Or, the millions who languish under dictatorships. Other nations struggle to hold fair elections, or worry about military leaders stepping in when they do not like the result. In Kuwait, the parliamentary cabinet recently passed a draft law allowing women the right to vote and run in parliamentary elections - for the first time. While Kuwaiti women serve as diplomats and, run businesses they, along with the younger generation, are demanding their right to have say in the political process of their country.

Unfortunately, complacency seems to have overtaken Canadian voters. Some of the reasons given for failing to show up at the voting booth include the lack of distinguishing features amongst the parties, the lack of trust in politicians, whether an individual vote counts for anything and the failure of candidates to address issues of concern to younger voters. Whatever the gripe, perhaps one fact may focus our attention on why to vote: money. You and I pay taxes to the government. By not voting, we throw away our right to representation. Taxation without representation did not go over well in 1776. Let's not turn back the clock.

Another reason is accountability. The voter is the most valuable element in our system of checks and balances. If promises are broken, the voters have the ability remove those in power. But let us remember that political participation is a process that begins with the vote, followed by communicating with one's elected representatives on issues that do matter to the individual voter. Let's make the best use of a system built upon the efforts of Canadians who have preceded us. It may be imperfect, but it has provided much benefit.

The coming election will be not only an indictment on the political parties, but also a reflection of the Canadian electorate. Will the result be the "Great Canadian Idle"? Or will we take advantage of an opportunity that so many would love to have?