An op-ed by Tamar Akhobadze
Disclaimer: This article is not aimed at anybody, but is just a basic overview of the concept of elections.
Every school and every class needs a leader. This leader must be a “support system” to the class and a generator of ideas to make the class experience better. GZAAT is no exception. At our school, these leaders are chosen by class votes. One of the main purposes of GZAAT is teaching kids responsibility and leadership. Being a class president is a great opportunity for teenagers to develop leadership skills and gain great experience that will assist them in the future. Having a class president is important for the relationship between the school administration and the class itself. The candidates present their plans for the school year and prepare a speech to perform in front of the class and administration. Obviously, these speeches play a huge role in the election. However, one question remains: is the chosen president elected by the students solely according to the speech, or is the choice somewhat biased?
One of the main purposes of GZAAT is teaching kids responsibility and leadership. Being a class president is a great opportunity for teenagers to develop leadership skills and gain great experience that will assist them in the future.
Pictured - Students socialising. Campaigning is often a form of networking, as candidates try to convince their friends to vote for them for the sake of their personal friendship
Without any question, the school administration wants elections to go fairly and candidates to be judged by their final speeches and presidential campaign. On the surface, it may sound easy, but if you look closely, it’s a very complex process. Students in high school have friends, and keeping a good relationship with their mates is very important to them. During the elections, there are many divergent candidates who want the position. Usually, the students don't want to hurt their friends’ feelings. For that particular reason, their vote goes to the person they’re closest with. This raises a question: if elections are unfair, then why do they even exist? Should they even exist? Shouldn't the school's administration be enough?
Pictured - the school lounge, where students often campaign
Students put in a big effort since they want their campaign to be significant and captivating for electors. They put their resources, time, energy, and creativity into the process. The fact that all of this work does not matter, and the only thing that matters is connection and friendship is very upsetting. Furthermore, it creates a feeling of disappointment, as candidates are led to anticipate more unfairness in the future.
To summarize, it is visible that elections are not always fair and connections and companionships play a bigger role in elections than we think they do.
Edited by Mariam Kalandadze
Comments