European Voter Apathy—Why?
A commentary by Peter Hawkins
United Church of God pastor, the British Isles
Posted June 11, 2009
 In
Europe as a whole a record
low 43% of voters turned out last week to choose who would represent
them in the European parliament. In the United Kingdom the percentage
that voted was
barely over 33%—ten percent less than the European average.
Certainly some are suspicious of the intentions of the architects of
the new Europe. Others see eventual intigration into Europe as the only
way forward.
So why are these feelings not expressed by citizens voting for those
who would champion their cause? Why so little involvement in this process
in the UK?
Milking the tax-payers?
In recent weeks, British voters have been stunned by a series of revelations
published in the Daily Telegraph about expense claims by members
of parliament from all parties. The public was shocked by the manner
in which members of parliament were using "the system" to
personally benefit financially.
According to Andrew Grice, political editor of The
Independent, "The anger over the behaviour of MPs
is spread across the political spectrum. Some 89 per cent of Tory
supporters agree that the main parties have let the country down—a
view shared by 67 per cent of Liberal Democrat supporters and 59
per cent of those intending to vote Labour." This was reflected
in the major parties loosing votes to smaller parties like the Green
party, UK Independence Party, and the British National Party.
Crisis for small businesses
Politicians have all but nationalised some of the major banks. In this
economic climate it is not surprising that popular opinion puts pressure
on the govenment to reduce or eliminate large bonuses being paid to
executives whose risky decisions had led to the collapse.
Now car manufacturers are hoping for billions of pounds to avert major
job losses and the death of the motor industry, one of the largest and
oldest manufacturing businesses. The British economy can hardly afford
additional pressure. And soaring unemployment would be disasterous for
any government in power.
On the other hand, small businesses are struggling to obtain bridging
finance from the banks to survive cash flow problems. Many would say
small businesses are the backbone of the British economy, yet the banks
seem to have clammed up, or at least made it very difficult to borrow.
What should we expect from our leaders?
The reputation of officials, leaders and parliamentary representatives
has perhaps never been so poor. A few decades ago, good character was
an important ingredient of a candidate for holding an office.
When the media revolution in the 1960s thrust people into the eyes
of the public through television, film, music or print, the exposure
gave them sudden and broad influence. They may have been people with
talent, but not necessarily admirable character.
For a nation to be successful and happy, leaders need to exemplify
good qualities. As the proverb says: "When the righteous are in
authority, the people rejoice; but when a wicked man rules, the people
groan" (Proverbs 29:2).
The government of the future
The time is coming when a different type of government will rule: "Then
the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, ‘The
kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His
Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!'" (Revelation
11:15).
The Scriptures also tell us, "Blessed and holy is he who has
part in the first resurrection ... they shall be priests of God and
of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years" (Revelation
20:6).
As the world's future King Jesus Christ told His disciples, "You
know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials
flaunt their authority over those under them. But among you it will
be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your
servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must become your
slave" (Matthew 20:25-27, New Living Translation, emphasis added).
Traits of "servant" leaders
The apostle Paul describes some of the qualities Christ looks for when
appointing leaders. They must: "have a good reputation. They must
not be bossy, quick-tempered, heavy drinkers, bullies, or dishonest
in business. Instead, they must be friendly to strangers and enjoy doing
good things. They must also be sensible, fair, pure, and self-controlled" (Titus
1:7-8, Contemporary English Version).
  We
can learn and practise these important characteristics by receiving
a different nature given to us by God. Learn more about this gift and
your part in the future of mankind by downloading or requesting your
free copy of The Gospel
of the Kingdom and Transforming
Your Life — The
Process of Conversion.
Related Resources
Leadership:
A Biblical Perspective
What does God look for in a leader? Does He expect certain standards and behavior
in a person chosen for a role of leadership and service to others?
What
Is True Leadership?
Which ingredients make an effective leader? And what makes some leaders
take tragic courses for themselves and their fellowmen?
Where
Have All the Leaders Gone?
In an ocean of six billion people, humanity is awash with a surplus
of sinners and a shortage of saints. What the world needs now are leaders
who rise above the tide to improve human conditions.
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