This is to be expected, of course, and we have grown accustomed to the pre-election advertisement frenzy.

Some things are done slightly differently this time, though. In the past, the slogans were bigger than the names and the pictures. This time, it is the other way around: the pictures and the names occupy bigger spaces in the announcements, posters and placards than the slogans.

Is this a significant development or shift? I am not sure. Maybe people in our society have become sick and tired of slogans raised but never realised. Many constituents in previous elections felt cheated or betrayed when their MPs forgot their slogans the minute they were elected. The candidates for this round of elections have, probably, recognised this fact, and therefore decided to not emphasise the slogans, by writing them in smaller letters and in the margins. Maybe.

Regarding the slogans themselves, I have not come across anything dramatic or earthshaking. Is this also significant? I am not sure. Maybe constituents are, again, sick and tired of pretentious slogans. Maybe the candidates have finally realised that they can only swallow what they can chew. Maybe the period we are passing through right now does not have, and cannot tolerate, pretentious, dramatic or earthshaking statements.

I happen to think that we need slogans and approaches that reflect our maturity and realism. I also happen to think that all issues are equally important to us - traffic havoc, children’s and women’s rights, fighting poverty, a clean environment, bullet-free weddings, solidarity with Palestinians and Iraqis, etc.

Regarding highlighting of names and pictures, I happen to think that though pictures are somewhat dishonest, names are somewhat honest. Yes, the deciding factor for many candidates (aside from those few who belong to political parties) is the family name.

If you happen to belong to a famous tribe or family, the tribe or family is your best bet. It is good to be honest about this.

Think about it: no one will elect you on the basis of your slogans or your own proven individual position or contribution - I do not mean “no one”, but you know what I mean. The best way to market yourself in our society is through your family name.

If you do not have a famous family name, a party or a quota, I do not know what can send you to parliament - maybe giving gifts to people (kerosene stoves - no, kerosene is expensive, maybe electric stoves).

Pictures are interesting. This time, we see many young people. I do not know if they are really young or they use pictures from their younger days. I happen to know some of the candidates, and they certainly look much older in real life. Anyhow, many of the younger ones look more like singers, actors, hairdressers - more like those in perfume or clothes promotions - than representatives in the highest legislative council in the nation.

The pictures are of both those who run each and every time there is an election, and of those who are running for the first time. Many of the former are individuals whose names and pictures cause you depression. Many of the latter should be participating in Superstar (idol) singing contests.

Why are these people running? Who would elect them? Who should even be interested in voting anymore, I was asking to myself as I was driving the other day. But then it dawned on me: because these people (and their likes) are running, we should vote - vote for those few sincere men and women (and these do exist) who are trying to make a difference.

Look for those (few as they are), support them, and vote for them.