Two years ago, I would never have imagined that I would be involved in politics. I used to look at politics as an exclusive club of the old and well connected, the wealthy, and yes, the ones who were there solely to line their pockets. Politics was something one complained about at the dinner table, and all one could do was vote every five years. My involvement in politics started when I accepted an invitation to attend a social. 

Before getting involved in politics, I was not sure what I had to offer. When the time came for last year's general election, at first I felt I was standing shoulder to shoulder with giants, having been sucked into it at the age of 25 from an NGO. However, I had not realised that I possessed the qualities, principles and passion for which the political landscape is always thirsty. 

This is the message I want to convey to my readers today. You might have spent your life feeling helpless watching people run and ruin your country. Now, more than ever before, perhaps, you feel powerless. I am here to tell you that there is an opening for you, even though you do not realise that it is there. Age does not matter. Nor what you do for a living, or where you grew up, or your status in life. It does not matter if you are not a lawyer, a doctor or an architect. You will only ever unlock this new potential, absorb this experience and grow if you open the door, as is your right as a citizen of a democratic republic. 

Local councillors tell me that politics has given them empathy and has helped them understand and relate to everyone, whatever their role in life. Politics is what you can do to improve your country and be of service to your fellow citizens.

The truth is that when I campaigned in 2017, I was not standing shoulder to shoulder with giants after all. I was standing shoulder to shoulder with fallible human beings. I saw people make mistakes which I felt anybody could avoid, just as I saw others make brilliant moves. Often, people did both. Sometimes, my lack of political experience was a blessing, unburdened by the baggage of others.

Behind the orange door is a new home. You will be welcomed, respected and helped to reach your full potential. Your voice will be our voice, a national voice, which will be projected in Parliament, in the media and on the ground. If I can do it, so can you. You can remain anonymous, or you can even step forward as a candidate. When I was asked to be a candidate, I lay awake in bed all night thinking about it, worried that the government and journalists would try to make my life a misery. I was worried that I would suffer professionally and socially, since in Malta, many advise you to hide your political leanings for fear of repercussions. Well, nothing is as liberating or empowering as standing up for what you believe in, overcoming your fears, and finding that nobody can touch you because you are clean and principled, and because you have a vision. Become a part of history by making it. Have courage, and fight for your country.

Timothy Alden is deputy leader of the Partit Demokratiku

 

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