Yes. The 6th May 2010 was voting day. And I'm sure I'm not the only one to have had momentary pencil paralysis: Is it an X? Or a tick? Or numbers 1 to 17 in order of preference???
Today, the element of surprise continues. In fact, everyone is talking about it. The uncertainty. The whispered deals of power sharing. How many people can fit into Number 10?
One thing is certain, we need our government to reform quickly. The job description for PM grows more demanding by the day. And now there's the more topical question of electoral reform. Certainly I can agree, it would be nice to make the voting system fairer, more representative of the votes cast. Although, in saying this I realise that there is still some work to be done in overcoming voter apathy. There's been a downward trend in recent decades, but yesterday, a surprise surge, which some are suggesting might be thanks to social media. It would probably have been higher still, only Facebook isn't actually a legitimate form of voting.
And so, we've had a turnout of about 65% in voting stations. Which is...erm... supposedly...good. But I think we have to remember that democracy is something that throughout history, people have made sacrifices for. As a Christian, I want to connect with God's heart for the poor, the neglected and those on the edge of society. I want to know what our leaders are doing to bring justice and fairness to everyone. It's not just about what happens now, or in the next week as our parties decide what to do, or in the next month as they figure out who goes and who stays...
My constituency has had a surprise change of colour. But actually, it's the policies, not the colours that matter. We need our government to make good decisions, to look outwardly as well as inwardly. To stand with integrity and to represent the people. To be recognised for it's uprightness and to uproot corruption.
I'm certain that God's heart is for our government to do a fair job for everyone.
"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,
for the rights of all who are destitute.
Speak up and judge fairly;
defend the rights of the poor and needy."
Proverbs 31:8-9
So, let's continue to pray for those in power. Pray for our Christian MPs, that they will be a positive influence on domestic, economic and international policies. And pray for wisdom and integrity to reign in this time of uncertainty. And whatever the decision, we need to keep our leaders accountable. Challenge them. Write them a letter. Tell them what needs to be changed. We're going to send Zac a toilet seat with some signatures on it. Long story. Check out the link.
Catch up on the results on the Beeb.
