4 April 2014 - QA 1

Gurudev, we must all vote 100%. But if 100% of the candidates in the elections are not good, then what do we do?

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: I understand your question. I am also in the same dilemma. There are many wrong candidates contesting the elections at different places in the country. But when it comes to electing people into the parliament at the center, then you should focus on the greater interests of the country.
So if you see a candidate who has a few flaws, then also it is alright, as long as he is strong and morally upright. This is because a strong leader will be able to manage the issues of the country in a proper manner.
When it comes to the elections in your own state, then your focus should be on the character and track record of the candidate. If he is very corrupt, then you should show him his rightful place.
When it comes to electing your city’s Municipal Corporation, then you should only vote for a person of good character and a clean record, regardless of which party they may belong to. This is because the municipal corporation of the city has to work for the city day in and day out, for issues like your roads, water supply, electricity supply, etc.
Members of the parliament or state legislative assembly cannot look into issues of the city. It is the officials of the Municipal Corporation who will look into such matters.
So you should use a different yardsticks to select and elect candidates of different platforms of governance.