Opinion

Vote with your head and not with your heart

We understand that those who are affiliated with a political party vote with their hearts. They have a defined ideology, a long-term commitment, and it is logical for them to act accordingly. But we find it difficult to understand why so many people without direct affiliation also vote with their hearts instead of with their heads.

We are convinced that, within twenty or thirty years, we will advance in this direction. It is not normal to continue voting for the same parties and the same people without them demonstrating with facts that they deserve our trust. But we are sure that this change will come.

In Lanzarote, for example, we have started to take important steps. Not so long ago, posters of imprisoned politicians were seen placed next to current candidates from that same party, and they still managed to gain majority support. Today, we believe that image would be much more difficult to accept. Citizen awareness is growing. But there is still one more step to take.

We have to start seeing our municipality, our islands, our community and the State as a large company. In that company, the board of directors is all of us, the residents. And the management is made up of the politicians who, at each moment, achieve our majority support. As in any company, we give clear guidelines, and if they are not met, that council - the people - has every right to replace the management. This is the only way to move forward. In politics it should be exactly the same.

It cannot be that a politician spends four years doing nothing and still receives the support of the citizens again. This type of dynamic only harms us as a people. But we trust that with time this will change, because in the end, the people are always the ones who lose.

When elections are approaching, it is essential to listen carefully to what the parties propose, analyze whether these proposals are coherent, realistic and beneficial for our municipality. And once the vote is given, it is essential to supervise, demand, and follow up. Only in this way will we know if they have been true public servants or simply experts in empty promises.

We are convinced that we will reach that level. And it will be then, when we - as critical, demanding and participatory citizens - fully assume our role and begin to truly grow in this noble art of politics.

 

We cannot continue losing years and decades aimlessly. It is time to vote with our heads, think about the future, and build together the municipality we deserve.