Political neutrality is a real thing.

Twenty-three years ago, while having dinner, the trainee asked his mother whom is she going to vote for the presidency. He was six years old then. Instead of saying a name, his mother told him that she cannot divulge since she is an election officer and she has to exhibit political neutrality. At that age, the trainee learned one important lesson on political neutrality. In a sense, the lesson was so simple but it made him realize that political biases cannot be shown even to people who are close to a person’s heart if one has to exhibit genuine political neutrality.

The trainee grew up in a family with political affiliations but his parents were never labeled to be part of the political parties which his grandfather and uncle belong. His family never had a election related posters and banners of any of them posted at home. When campaign days come, the family remains fair to parties of his grandfather and his uncle.

While chatting with his friends who arrived in the town as lawyers of two local candidates, one of his friends told him that though they shook hands with the winning candidates they were actually sad and hurt because their candidates whom they are working lost the elections. The memories of the trainee’s mom on the dinner table flashed vividly and he simply uttered that they have to concede and accept the results without a heavy heart but with a forward looking attitude that the winning candidates will do their best to forward the interest of their constituents.

In a way, political neutrality can truly be exhibited if only people choose to. After all, fairness is like friendship. People make friends and keep them without degree of differentiation. The trainee is thankful to his mom who ingrained the lesson in his mind and etched it in his heart.

The trainee is the writer of this article.