As the General Election draws near, this is a call to the conscience to all New Zealanders eligible to vote to exercise their choice on the polling day (September 20, 2014).
This article is not intended to influence readers of their choice of an electoral candidate or a political party but appeal to them to seek the truth, under their responsibility. It is the right of all New Zealanders to choose their representative in Parliament.
People must choose based on their conscience.
I also believe that their participation in the political process goes beyond casting votes.
In the lead up to the election, all of us will be ‘bombarded’ with information about political parties, candidates, their policies and programmes and why we should vote for them. As well as hoardings displayed on streets, we would increasingly hear, watch and read advertisements, statements, debates, commentaries, questions and answers and many other forms of communications and publicity.
Voters living in New Zealand and eligible voters in other prats of the world must reflect on issues and realties in making their choice.
Home Truth
The Nation has to protect the dignity of the human self.
This is the foundation and the Truth.
The central point of this Truth is the respect for the dignity of every person.
We must be conscientious in bringing this important truth about human life and dignity, protecting in the process, the weak, the vulnerable and the voiceless.
Our Nation, like any other, is based on our economics, politics, law and policies that directly affect the common good of people and develop their full potential.
Every person also has the duty to participate actively in shaping society and promoting the wellbeing of all.
Human dignity is respected and the common good maintained only if human rights are protected and basic responsibilities are met.
The economy must also serve people.
Work ethics
Work is more than a way to make a living; it is a form of continuing participation in the economy. Employers contribute to the common good through the services or products and by creating jobs that uphold the dignity and rights of workers. The latter translates to productive work, decent and just wages, adequate benefits and security in their old age, organise and join unions, opportunity for legal status for immigrant workers, ownership of property and economic initiatives.
Workers also have responsibilities, namely to provide a fair day’s work for a fair day’s pay, treat employers and co-workers with respect, and carry out their duties in a way that contributes to the common good.
Workers, employers, and unions should not only advance their own interests, but also that of economic justice and the economy.
Our Nation has a duty to protect our Planet in which we live and ensure a safe and hospitable environment for all, especially children at their most vulnerable stages of development.
Youth call
Voters should consider all the above factors and seek the truth before casting their vote.
According to Statistics New Zealand, as at June 30, 2013, there were 1.51 million people in the 15-39 age group, representing about a third of the total population of 4.47 million.
It is critical those eligible should in the first instance register with the Electoral Commission and then participate in the political process and cast their votes.
Youth participation and engagement on issues that affect them will help in creating a generation of future leaders committed to civic, social and political development.
Wenceslaus Anthony is Chairman & Managing Director of WAML Group, based in Auckland, with business interests in New Zealand, Australia, India, Sri Lanka and the Middle East.
