As elections approach, many politicians suddenly emerge from hibernation, making promises and displaying renewed concern for the people. Voters should think carefully before rewarding them with a second term. An MLA should not seek re-election merely by presenting a long list of routine works undertaken during the previous term. Those were not favours—they were duties for which the electorate entrusted them with office. Roads, water supply, electricity and other public services are the responsibility of government departments such as the PWD and Electricity Department. Legislators should not claim personal credit for every legitimate public work. Too often, voters are influenced by small personal favours or political patronage instead of evaluating the representative's actual performance. Re-electing the same individual repeatedly can encourage complacency, concentration of power and, in some cases, corruption.
NELSON LOPES, Chinchinim
