I am not allowed to vote.

I am deemed as under-age.

Age restrictions are ridiculous. I firmly believe that age is irrelevant as far as the mettle of any person is concerned. Unfortunately, the two attributes that really matter, knowledge and awareness, were not taken into account when the age restriction for voters was set.

I want to vote because I not only consider myself well and truly aware of the political situation in my own country, but also the neighbouring region and the world in general. I know the major political parties, their agendas, their actions (which differ vastly from the laid out agendas), their history, the usual candidates, etc. I can recall sharply the last three rulers of Pakistan and what their reign brought about; I can tackle price fluctuations and what caused them; I can argue in favor of a Musharraf-esque regime for Pakistan over a completely democratic one, though I am open to a change of opinion; I can discuss the varying foreign policies of different countries; Yet I am not allowed to vote.

A person above eighteen years of age who doesn’t gives a shit, knows nothing about politics and economics and diplomatic conditions (except maybe the name of the President of the United States), is more obsessed with a six pack than any goddamn-treaty-the-country-supports and, best case scenario, abstains from voting instead of wasting his vote, is given the right to vote.

My vote could have made the difference but I was never given the opportunity. The person who could have made a difference as well didn’t really care did he? Voter turnouts are low because half the population couldn’t care less. At the age of thirty and more, many are pre-occupied with survival in the face of rising inflation coupled with unemployment. To them, their family becomes the utmost priority. Let’s face it, working in excess of twelve hours a day, six days a week really drains the life out of a person. I, and many under aged teenagers like me, spend the same time pouring over newspapers, engaging in conversations which turn into heated arguments, defending our political choices but to no avail. This, in itself, acts as a deterrent to any thoughts a teenager might have had of pursuing the domestic or even the international political scene. The same well informed teenager grows up to be the person mentioned earlier in the essay – Mr. I-Do-Not-Care. A precious vote is lost. The flower was nipped in the bud.

Instead of imposing a certain age, how about if the ‘policy-makers’ devise a test which comprises some basic knowledge about the country’s political structure, its allies and foes, interests that favor the country, etc. This test could be available to anyone below eighteen who wants to vote. This will ensure that crème-la-crème amongst the teenagers, prospective responsible citizens, are allowed to vote. Not only will this raise the turn out statistics, but also provide these youths with invaluable experience. By inculcating this trend in one generation, the country will effectively ensure a continuous, smooth passage of political awareness and knowledge from the ageing population to the younger ones.

Most of us have come across the age old cliché ‘If you’re good enough, you’re old enough’. Funnily enough, its application can be seen in sports, universities (I’m talking about child prodigies here), and even child labor (no pun intended) but it eludes the electoral process for reasons that appear baseless and seemingly not comprehendible by the general population. Much as I wanted to, I will not be voting in the upcoming elections in January 2008. I turned eighteen in mid-December, too late, though, to get registered for the voter list.

And it is my stance on this issue which I feel epitomizes my personality. I am a very non-conformist person. I want to pursue Sports Management later on in life, and not just get a degree in Economics, settle down, get married, have kids, and die. I would rather spend my life achieving my dream than to sit back knowing that I never really tested myself. I don’t have straight A’s on my transcript, or a wide array of extra curricular activities, but I do have strong and practical opinions and a tenacious personality. I know I can do anything I want to.

I don’t want to be just another person with dreams and opinions.

I want to, and I will, be the person whose dreams and opinions actually made a difference.

 So, this is my blog, which I’ll do my best to update (blame the dial-up in case i don’t) with the latest thought on my mind, the hottest news, or any topic that pops up and does a Homer Simpson infront of me.

I am not going to go on and describe myself and my hobbies cause no one really gives a shit.

Watch out for the first post.