As we head to the polls in a historic election on May 7, 2012, the Bahamian electorate should consider and be guided by the following resounding words of wisdom: "Let your conscience be your guide".
There is no doubt that we are witnessing a general election that is historic not only because the register of voters consists of the highest number of voters (approximately 172,000 people) in the history of The Bahamas or because for the first time a so-called third party has produced a full slate of candidates, but also for the first time in Bahamian history we have witnessed absentee voting overseas and an expansion of individuals able to participate in an advanced poll.
Unfortunately, however, history will also record that some of our politicians refused to move away from the status quo and maintained their old bad habits with "politricks" and propaganda at the forefront.
This election season, the Bahamian electorate has overwhelmingly demanded that political candidates and parties present viable solutions to the myriad socio-economic problems confronting our nation. However, to say that old habits die hard is an understatement, as we have witnessed politicians resorting to unnecessary character attacks, misleading advertisements and finger-pointing. The most disgraceful and disturbing phenomenon to date has been the attempt to reduce our electoral process to a "personality contest" between the leader of the Free National Movement (FNM), Hubert A. Ingraham, and the leader of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP), Perry G. Christie.
As we make our way to the polls next Monday, we must consider the facts and reject the propaganda and rhetoric that some of our political leaders subject us to. We must take an introspective look at ourselves and the current state of affairs within our Bahamaland. It is conceded that governments are not directly responsible for crimes committed against persons, employing all of their citizens or ensuring individual business ventures prosper. However, we can all agree that governments are in fact responsible for protecting their citizens (and residents) while executing sound and prudent economic, fiscal and monetary policies that create an environment for peace, safety and economic prosperity.
The Bahamian electorate sits in the chair of an employer getting ready to hire a prospect which he/she will be stuck with for the next five years. The only advantage we have as voters is that in addition to the resumes and references provided, we have past records and performance to assist us in making an informed decision. Accordingly, we must examine each political party's manifesto and/or governing document to ascertain which party has the better plan for a more prosperous Bahamas moving forward and the political will to execute. We must be attentive to today's promises in comparison to yesterday's promises to ascertain whether they will bring about the change we desire.
Regardless of the strategies employed by political parties during this election season, The Bahamas still practices the Westminster system in which we vote for candidates to provide good and effective representation for constituencies. We are not a republic and we do not conduct presidential elections; at least not at this time. With this in mind, Bahamians should vote for candidates of their choice they deem to be most qualified, rather than solely along party lines or who the leaders of the respective parties are.

Last minute inducements
In the run-up to the general election, we must not be blind-sighted by the granting of last minute lucrative contracts, temporary and unsustainable jobs and overdue promotions, increments and benefits. Our politics must move beyond allowing ruling governments to manipulate our emotions for political gain just to retain power.
The governing term of five years provides political leaders with ample time to address numerous issues in a practical, logical and strategic manner without holding off distributing benefits as election ploys. Likewise, we must not be fooled by and/or encourage political leaders and/or candidates to buy our votes in exchange for jobs, payment of utility bills, school fees, mortgages, rent or the purchase of groceries, fridges, stoves, etc.
Voters should be mindful of the Bible story of Esau, who sold his birth-right for a morsel of bread. Esau stood to inherit his father's wealth but gave this right away in a moment of hunger. The same fate is bound to befall voters who do not appreciate the value of this land that God has given to us as our possession.
There is no doubt that times are tough and several voters are in economic hardship. However, our votes are all we have - our most valuable asset. We must not sell our votes, refrain from voting, accept or administer bribery, encourage ineligible voting or deception to give advantage to one political party over the other. The Bahamian electorate ought to be guided by the vision and plans proposed for the country and respective constituencies and select individuals who will help create an environment of economic and social independence and security to achieve individual dreams.
Political leaders and aspiring candidates on the other hand should be reminded that post this general election, the electorate will hold them accountable like never before in the history of The Bahamas. Suffice it to say that with a more educated and informed electorate, the era of empty promises and lies is behind us. There is a new generation of Bahamians who are advocating for a change in our politics and economics. Among other things, we are desirous of seeing our nation progress toward First World status and it cannot be achieved with business or politics as usual.

A call to national conscience
In the final analysis, level heads must prevail as we exercise our constitutional right to select our leaders. We must shun and condemn all forms of violence, impropriety and animosity in the national interest. Let us remember that the strength of our democracy and our stability as a nation has made us attractive to the international community, tourists and investors.
We as Bahamians must consider the entire picture as we head to the polls to cast our votes. We must consider each political candidate for what he/she represents and the plans he/she has put forth for his/her respective constituency. Consideration must also be given to the overall plan of the party that he/she represents to determine whether this will positively impact our beloved country and future generations of Bahamians.
The records of governance should be judged within the context of how much better or worse off we were or have been. On the macro level, Bahamians should consider the current social, economic and financial position of our nation and the prospects going forward. Voters should not "get swing" and should be mindful that they will have to face the consequences of their actions. This is a clarion call to national conscience.

o Arinthia S. Komolafe is an attorney-at-law. Comments can be directed at commentary@komolafelaw.com.

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