Discernment in voting

by Gillian Hugo

 

In 12 days, South Africans will head to voting stations in the country and abroad. For some, this will be their first time voting, while many others are seasoned voters. With such a short period remaining before we make our mark, many people are still undecided about who to vote for. Which party or candidate best represents their values? The outcome of these decisions will affect the course of our daily lives for years to come.

We often hear the phrases “vote well” and “don’t waste your vote.” How do we determine who the best party or candidate is? How do we know who to vote for? It is important to think intentionally about voting and enter the process of discernment and prayer about our choices. Our decisions affect our lives and the lives of many others, including those of our country’s potential leaders.

Discernment is both a spiritual and moral practice. Spiritually, discernment helps us notice the inner and outer influences affecting our decision-making. As a moral practice, discernment helps us decide what good we should do according to our conscience and vision of how life is supposed to be. In both instances, there is an intentional and gradual reflection on weighing different factors before deciding.

In an article written before the 2022 Philippine elections, the authors Stephanie Ann Puen and Raphael Yabut wrote, “The elections are a practice of communal discernment – a people discerning what the common good is and how we can achieve it together. Key to attaining the common good is justice. The theologian David Hollenbach describes justice not just as receiving one’s due, but as participation where different stakeholders all have the opportunity to be part of decision-making, especially those communities who will be affected the most by the decisions. He says that “justice calls for the minimal level of solidarity required to enable all of society’s members to live with basic dignity.” Participation in social life, such as through voting, enables people to protect human rights and basic needs in solidarity with each other.”

To properly discern, studying the various political parties and candidates is essential. We must familiarise ourselves with their manifestos, know their previous delivery record, and examine their character and actions. Ask questions and talk with others about the parties or candidates you may have earmarked. Does the party or candidate that may receive your vote address the priorities of life, reject ideas and actions that demean and oppress others, care for the poor, commit to honesty and fairness in economic matters, etc.?

The Scriptures tell us that when we make decisions, we should take God’s desires and the needs of others into consideration. To choose our leaders, by voting, we need to make a judgement which is well discerned. Have you looked at what the Scriptures say about our civic duties and how we should address political concerns?


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