We do it differently here...
On December 20th our Prime Minister announced that elections will be held on January 15th 2008. Nominations will be on New Year's Day so there is a scant three weeks for campaigning.This is either brilliant or disastrous timing. Brilliant if most people continue their involvement in their hectic personal lives as dictated by the season; disastrous if a groundswell of opinion decides the PM was trying to circumvent the peoples' right to discuss and cuss and gather to debate - and I mean debate!- the pros and cons and why's and wherefore's of each party and the candidates.
We are a tiny nation where free health care is a reality if you are not referred by a private physician for hospital care. Last year the sudden stumbling of my heart resulted in an emergency call and ambulance, tests, X-rays and hospital stay were all free. Of course I pay taxes and I am a citizen and my penchant for avoiding doctors pretty much ensures I will never be a private patient.
I need to ensure that I am registered to vote after my long period away. About the election itself my main concern is what if there is a change in the balance of power? Will it result in the massive overhaul of our roads systems which was not completed as first promised by April 2007 being even further delayed while the contractors in favour with this party or that are juggled and shuffled around?
Two and a half years of dust have already taken a toll on my respiratory system, and the daily changes to the traffic flow tax the most patient of drivers.
I have been away long enough for all the names I know and respect to have become the old guard. The new young lions of the political arena are just names without much history yet to back them so voting will be a challenge, but I will not fail to exercise my franchise.
Comments (1)
All the very best to you for Christmas and I look forward to reading more of your blogs in the New Year when I'm cold and lonely in Russia!