Every five years, the Kenyan general elections are held. On August 9, more than 22 million registered Kenyan voters will go to the polls to elect their fifth president. The voters will also cast votes for county governors, members of parliament, and other lower levels across the 47 counties.
However, with the high cost of living and rampant corruption cases in government, some Kenyans do not feel the urge to wake up and vote. Voting is an important civic right that gives the common citizen the power to decide how democracies should run.
Here are five reasons why, as a good Christian, one should vote.
- Submitting to the authority of the nation as ordained by God
Voting publicly indicates that we submit to the authority of the political system in our country as established by God. Romans 13:1 says “Let every soul be subject to the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained by God.” Therefore, political leaders are ordained by God to represent his will on earth.
- Voting is a way for all to be heard
Primarily, elections are decided by the people who go out and vote. The power of the common citizen is in the vote. Therefore, if one does not vote, someone else will have to make the decision. Voting is the only way to express one’s voice and thus a privilege.
- To bring change
The only constant in life is change and voting allows us to turn the nation into what we want. Although the single-day event might seem insignificant, it can influence our society for good. Make your voice heard this election period by supporting your preferred advocate for change.
- Avoid wastage of resources
Preparing for a general election is expensive. Therefore, not voting means the resources have gone to waste. We know that GOD frowns at the misuse of resources. Proverbs 12:27 says “Whoever is slothful will not roast his game, but the diligent man will get precious wealth.” Voting makes us diligent defenders of our national resources.
- Not voting influences the outcome
It is said that not voting is a form of voting. Good leaders are kept out of government by good voters who do not vote. Therefore, we need to take responsibility for our actions as well as inaction.