Easy does it with the party hardy

Colorful flags and banners adorning most parts of the city, and normally bad traffic becoming horrendous, are signs of the times as 24 parties contesting the upcoming legislative elections take their campaigns to the streets.

The 22-day campaign that runs until April 1 provides an opportunity for the parties to present their platforms. But promises of clean government, fighting rampant corruption practices, working for a better economy and listening to constituents are not what the public turns out to hear.

Most prospective voters come to the events to get their hands on party paraphernalia, tuck into a free meal or watch a dangdut show. They can even do some star-gazing with the celebrities lending their endorsement to a particular party.

We may be enjoying the show today, but let's hope our smiles will not be replaced by frowns and tears in the next few months.

-- JP