Choose Clovis Silva or Francisco Tavares?

It is common, at election time, for the media to dedicate themselves to publishing articles on the most varied formulas that voters should use when deciding who to vote for.

In Brava, on October 25, more than four thousand voters will have the opportunity to choose between Clovis Silva (PAICV) and Francisco Tavares (MpD).

During the electoral campaign, the candidates had to travel from island to island carrying their projects, dreams and ideas for the next four years.

All past ideas were interesting, some simple, others not so much. Based on this, taking advantage of the opportunity, we have chosen some criteria that must be taken into account when choosing a candidate.

First, voters should identify which values they consider most important and which values they want their representative to defend. This is important because, generally, we choose a candidate by affinity, that is, one who has values similar to ours.

In theory, there is nothing wrong with this choice, in fact, it is unlikely, if not impossible, for someone to vote for those who defend values opposite to theirs. However, voters must make an effort to choose candidates who are concerned about the island, in terms of agriculture, fishing, cattle raising and relations with emigrants, that is, concerns that concern or are applicable to all people and not only to a small group.

The voter must know the candidates very well, as well as their professional performance, their life history, their ethical posture and their conduct in society. If the candidate's speech does not match his performance at other times in life, this is an indication that he may be lying.

Next, you need to analyze your proposals, the party you are affiliated with and who your coreligionists are. In addition, it is necessary to see if his promises are viable and compatible with the position he intends to occupy. Generic promises like “I'm going to create thousands of jobs” or “We're going to develop tourism” are very easy to make and obviously impossible to fulfill.

One of the most important pieces of information is knowing who the candidate's financiers are, as the people and companies that finance election campaigns have interests that are not always in line with the interests of the community.

Although it is not possible to be sure that the most prepared candidate will fulfill his promises, even if viable, it is possible to recognize and discard the loudmouth and unprepared politician.

For Brava, Clovis Silva turned his attention to the need for a productive Brava island, because according to him, to have wealth it will always be necessary to have production. It also noted the need to invest in the social area, with the rehabilitation of houses, particularly those inhabited by the elderly.

He promised a strong bet on the fishing sector, as an area of low investment and high profitability. He also didn't forget to leave his proposals in the area of health, education, sports, culture and youth.

For his part, Francisco Tavares, said that his management will be one of continuity, with a focus on tourism, social housing, professional training and higher education.

He recalled that he knows the reality of the island well, unlike his opponent, who he dubbed a “political tourist”.

On his journey across the island, Tavares outlined strategies for the next four years with voters, promising to equip every house on the island with a decent bathroom by 2024, if he wins Sunday's clash.

On the 25th of October, the people of Brava will have between these two candidates and two projects. The choice must be respected and after that hands to work.