THE WORLD'S GREATEST ELECTIONS

Of course I do mean that! India is having its general elections in just a few weeks time. With a population of over one billion India is the world's LARGEST democracy. And so, logically, our elections are the world's largest. And perhaps the world's most confusing and complex. We are a multi-party democracy unlike the USA with its two major parties, the Republicans and Democrats. Oh no, here we have many "major" parties and scores of important regional parties and several other parties based on ideologies, religion, economics, caste and what not. Ballot forms (balloting is now all done by electronic machines) have a multitude of names as each constitutency seems to be contested by a dozen or more candidates. Campaigning is based on issues that effect local voters - The price of rice, the building of a Temple, the promise of freebies, and so on. Well there is also the GROWING middle class voter who is looking for a better way of life and for him the issues deal with global economics, the environment, justice, equality and so on. But it is a mixed bag whether you talk about issues or candidates or parties.

And meanwhile the campaigning goes on. One word to describe it? MAYHEM. Grand mayhem. You can look at it from any perspective. For me it is at times great entertainment - accusations and counter accusations, sometimes petty, sometimes serious. Preposterous charges levelled against opponents. Frustrating slogans and counter slogans. All the makings for either a top notch comedy film or the opposite genre of real horror. But at times for me the campaigning is saddening as I see what some possible outcomes could be - a greater focus on one religion, a return to a closed society, or a future marked by chaos.

BUT THEN AGAIN, I look up and I am heartened by what I see, and allow me to list these, please. FIRST, I see democracy at work and not communism or a non-people oriented system. We are a FREE PEOPLE and no doubt about that. Thank God for that same democratic base and that same freedom allows me to preach the Gospel loud and clear on television and through other media, and allows me to worship my Lord in the manner I choose. That IS heartening is it not?

SECOND, This is not our first elections for we have been having them since we became independent in 1947. Yes elections may be mayhem and chaotic but when the dust has settled the country plunges forward through whatever government is chosen and whatever system is put in place. And in a bumbling and fumbling way we remain a democracy; we have moved ahead economically to become a serious world player; we lead the world in computer software technology; our doctors and nurses are highly sought after world wide; and we have NEVER had a revolution or martial law. Isn't that something to boast about? Sure, and I am proud of it.

THIRD and most importantly, over all of this, over the whole scenario is the reality, and my belief, that there is a Sovereign God watching and guiding the universe through His Loving power. He is aware of the affairs of nations be it India or the USA or the UK. He has His own agenda and time schedule. He knows best! No, this is not just resignation on my part, a Que Sera Sera attitude, whatever will be will be! No, and rather, this is a recognition of my God's love and care over all His creation and the realisation that being part of His Kingdom on earth, the Body of His Son Jesus Christ, He has me, and all His children, under His watchful, loving eyes. He is there for us. He is there for our nation. He is the Lord of all. And that includes my country, India.

And so on election day I will go to the polling booth and cast my vote, exercising my democratic right and privelege. I will do so after praying about it. And I will do so thanking the Lord of the nations, that He is God over all. He is Lord over even my country, Indi