Politics may be a popular pastime in our part of the world, it doesn’t make the politicians any popular with the people here. In fact the general feeling about our politicians is quite harsh as it is believed that only the people with corrupt minds enter politics to make a fortune for themselves.

Politics at the college and university level are a sad state of affairs. Having spent four years in one of Pakistan’s most prestigious institutes for business and administration, I have realised that the election of student bodies is quite similar to the politics of our country. I have been witness to four elections and every year the procedure and methods of attracting votes, though becoming technically savvy, is becoming dirtier.

Each year the candidates go as low and as unethical as they can to make their opponents sound as crazy and undeserving as they can. The lessons of marketing are well used in the campaigning making extensive use of social media and messages to spread the word and attract people to register and vote for them. While this is a good sign that the people remember the marketing lessons it is quite annoying to be receiving spam within numerous messages.

The promises and vows made at the time of elections are very similar to the promises made by our politicians at the time of general elections, and just like the professionals our college/university candidates fail to stand by them. And the worst part is that the authorities are least bothered about it.

The patrons of the societies often become part of the campaign with them openly supporting a group of candidates and allowing them to campaign in their classes. It is quite sad for the country that the leaders of tomorrow are being brought forth this way where the ethics of respect and contesting fairly have been long lost.

I would urge the educationists to witness a campaign and decide for themselves what has to be done. I am no reporter or an educationist and if I can notice the wrongdoings to come up with suggestions I am sure the authorities, having more experience and knowledge, would be able to address this issue in a better manner if they open their eyes and start noticing things.