Use platform for awareness
I do not agree with the idea that celebrities should be encouraged to run for office. Firstly, they lack the experience that someone who is going to influence policies and affect a country should have. In addition to this, I believe that if celebrities are to run for office people would be more likely to vote for them on the sole basis of their fame and status or how they are viewed in their roles as actors, sports players, businessmen and more. Lastly, celebrities are extremely privileged and live lavish lives in the topmost tiers of society. They do not have an understanding of the day to day issues and concerns that regular people have and hence, are unequipped to make decisions regarding the same. Rather than running for office, celebrities who want to make a difference should use their platform to speak out, and donate some of their wealth to issues that are important to them.
From Ms Lehar Chellani
Dubai
Set guidelines mandatory
There should be a set of qualifying guidelines for everyone wanting to hold office and stand for elections. Celebrities, although known and loved by many, are recognised for their work in their respective fields. Having experience in their own fields does not mean that they are capable of running for office, unless their presence is the only thing required for votes and not much work will be put in by them. A set of qualifying guidelines for everyone can insure that the candidate possesses the basic skills required to accomplish the respective tasks expected to be done.
From M Nishchay Oswal
Dubai
Equal opportunity
Every democracy should be able to evolve a mechanism to choose candidates for elections. Regardless of what someone’s profession is, he or she should be given an opportunity to contest for office if they are dedicated to serve the people. If filmstars do well for the people, they can mobilise popular support. They can indeed give invaluable contribution to the democratic set up.
From Ms Anagha Rajesh
UAE
Mentally fit, allowed
Any citizen of good standing, who is mentally and physically fit, balanced and healthy, must be allowed to run for office in his or her own country.
From Mr Philip Mandla Tudor
UAE
Run as long as qualified
Everyone is allowed to run, as long as you are qualified and fulfil all the requirements, regardless of the carer you have. There is no need for a debate on this.
From Mr Roy Original Bañez
Sharjah
Mind of your own
People should educate themselves about politics and know who to choose. They should stop following what celebrities think.
From Mr Fonyuy R
UAE
Experience is mandatory
I think celebrities definitely influence people and most of them are doing a lot for society too. However, wanting to run for office without having any experience is foolhardy. I think it is a recipe for failure. Every job requires a degree and a set of qualifications. The highest post of a country should have the same. Whether it is the question of a celebrity or a common man, if someone has the desire to run for office then they should dedicate some amount of their time to trying to learn more about politics and legislation. The current President of the US is a perfect example of someone who ran for President just because he wanted to and could. We should not make the same mistakes again.
From Mr Rohan Kapoor
Dubai
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