Every voter has the same power in a democratic election, regardless of his or her ethnicity and socio-economic status, true to the Gandhian belief, “The weakest will have the same power as the strongest in a democracy.”
The Auckland Super City will have one Mayor, 20 Councillors and 149 Community Board Members. It is a pity that none of the major groups has fielded a candidate of Indian origin for the Councillor post.
I am the only such candidate. I am standing from Albert-Eden-Roskill Ward, hoping to be elected as a Councillor.
I appeal to Indian Newslink readers living in this ward to vote for me and those residing elsewhere to request their friends, colleagues and family members in this Ward to exercise their franchise in my favour.
Your vote has the same value and power as that of any one else.
I had explained in my previous column (Indian Newslink September 15) how your vote could have double value.
Two Councillors will be elected from the Albert Eden Roskill Ward. Every voter has the choice of voting for one or two candidates contesting for the post of Councillor.
All the votes given to each candidate would be counted and the highest two will be declared elected. Therefore, if you give one vote to me and the second vote to another candidate, then both of us would have received equal votes.
On the other hand, if you give one vote to me and do not give the second vote to anyone else, then I would be one vote up on others.
That is how your one vote would be equivalent to two votes in my favour.
I stand for universal moral values, strong families, good education for all and respect and dignity for all ethnic communities.
If you have not yet received the ballot papers, please call Independent Election Services on (09) 3077211. They will send your ballot papers.
You have the power to elect me as a Councillor.
I would like to represent you and be your voice in the Council.
