Today, Friday the 11th of September is a special day for all Singaporeans at home and around the globe. It is the day all eligible citizens cast their votes for their political party of choice to further develop the country and maintain its welfare for the next four to five years.
I shall not go into detail about my political views because as of now, I feel rather apathetic toward it all. That does not mean I do not care about the workings of my country. I actively follow the news, and have my own grievances about certain policies implemented but none that had not been addressed before. I am more interested in the outcome, and if the government would deliver what they’ve pitched at rallies to its promises to the people AFTER election.
This GE is special for me and a lot of my peers because it would be our first time voting. It was one of the most adult things I’ve done thus far, and I am glad that somehow my decision (i.e. my cross against a party of choice) counts. I got to share the moment with my childhood friend and neighbour, Sufie, who’s a first time voter too. We walked as far away from the polling station as possible before asking the million-dollar question. Yeah, yeah. I know we aren’t supposed to, but whatever. Differences in political views may/may not affect our friendship in ANY way. We treated ourselves to a teh peng and homemade ice lemon tea from the nearest kopitiam after casting our votes because we’re Singaporean that way. “Aunty, ‘packet’ please.”
Being the efficient country Singapore is, the whole process was seamless and took less than 3 minutes. My dad’s on duty at a polling station somewhere on the island, and so are a few of my civil servant friends. Sucks to be working on a public holiday, hope that you guys get days in lieu or double pay (which I am never entitled to anyways).
To the rest of my fellow Singaporeans, today’s the day to cast your votes and trigger the change we all so desperately want. May the election be fair, and our country remains stable, efficient and prosperous.
P.S. This particular article on 9gag about how Singaporeans feel on Voting day is so apt, it hurts. HAHAHA. Enjoy.
