We should ask, 'Who can help S’poreans thrive, not just survive?' 22-year-old voter reflects.

First-time voter perspective.

Mothership | July 08, 2020, 12:17 PM

VOICES OF FIRST-TIME VOTERS: What is it like to view GE2020 through the lens of a first-time voter in Singapore? In this perspectives series, young Singaporeans share their views (including curious observations, thoughts and concerns) on voting in the midst of a pandemic.

A 22-year-old in Singapore shares her thoughts on what matters most when considering who to vote for.  


Let’s face it: It’s unlikely that one vote will matter in the grand scheme of things.

As a 22-year-old voter in Singapore, this is my first election. I have been following GE2020 as closely as I can, because I hope to go to the polls as an informed voter.

Over the past few days, it has become clear that this election is not just about a single political party, nor is it about one individual.

Politics in Singapore can sometimes be combative rather than collaborative, divisive rather than cohesive, with the ruling party and opposition presented as disparate forces pitted against one another, struggling for victory.

Yet, if we truly see the country as a united whole where we are all citizens with a part to play, an election should not just be about winners and losers, the majority versus the minority, but about selecting passionate individuals who are best able to serve the country and its people with their head and their heart.

When it comes to the leadership of a country, what is important is service for the people by the people.

And this is why campaigns should be about addressing problems, not attacking the people who raise them out of concern for the nation. Statements should always seek to clarify rather than to blindly defend.

And parliamentary debate should involve brainstorming ideas to assimilate the best points from each rather than an endeavour to undermine each other’s ideas.

Simply because there exists no one best idea.

A raw diamond, uncut and unpolished, appears as dull as any other stone and is easily overlooked. It can only shine its brightest after vigorous polishing against other surfaces and if cut at the right angles. The same applies to any idea raised by any party. The best ideas are those which have been refined.

A party is in essence a brand, which is built up over the years. And a brand is only as good as the people behind it, the creativity and foresight in their vision, as well as their commitment, accountability and integrity.

We should not assess the quality of a brand or party solely by their age.

An old brand which has been around for a long time will likely have wisdom gleaned from its years of experience in the field, while a young brand could bring innovative new ideas to the table. A young brand with too little stability can face teething issues, while an old brand with too much stability can stagnate and decline should it succumb to complacency.

One is as fallible as the other.

We must thus realise that a brand is not a guarantee of prosperity, of security, of infallibility; it is merely an assurance or a promise. And unfortunately, promises can be broken, whether deliberately or circumstantially.

Hence, rather than voting for a particular party or brand name, I think we should vote based on the values that these candidates represent.

Does the candidate or group of candidates contesting for your GRC or SMC truly care for the people? Do they walk with you or in front of you? Do they look at you or down at you? Do they just hear your words or do they make you feel heard? Are they a voice for the party or for the people?

As humans, creatures that draw comfort from familiarity, it is only natural for us to fear change and its consequences.

We are afraid of the what-ifs. We worry whether the decisions we make today will be the right ones for tomorrow, for our future selves, for our children. We feel most at ease in the safety of the status quo.

And there is nothing wrong with this fear, because it shows we care and prompts us to be more careful.

But regardless of what happens during this GE, new policies will likely be implemented (for better or for worse) in years to come. Existing policies will also likely continue to adapt with the times.

Hence, in considering the best candidate to lead Singapore, we need to carefully consider this: Who are the people who can help Singaporeans not just survive but thrive?

We need to bear in mind the values that matter to us, such as the importance of compassion in our leaders -- those who reach out to those in need, rather than those who seek to reach new heights at the risk of leaving others behind.

One vote may not seem like it matters, but together, our collective votes add up to make Singapore a better home for all of us.

It takes a nation to shape a nation.

Top photo via Unsplash, Kenneth Koh.