Today, the village was in total confusion after messages started circulating telling people to dial *2026# and vote using their phones. Near the shops, men were arguing louder than broken radios. “So these people want us to vote now and vote again later?” one complained dramatically. Another man even switched off his phone completely. “No! These people will finish my fingerprints before 2026 reaches!” Even old women carrying vegetables stopped to listen while one young man announced proudly that he was “not ready for elections today” despite nobody asking him to become anything. Ba Malume, who had been quietly listening to the radio, finally laughed and shook his head slowly. “My sons, calm down before your blood pressure contests elections first.”
The whole group burst into laughter. He adjusted himself and began explaining carefully. “This is not the actual national election. This is simply the adoption process where people are helping choose preferred candidates before the real elections happen.” The boys looked confused, so Ba Malume simplified it properly. “It’s like football trials. You first choose who will wear the jersey before the match itself starts.” Suddenly heads started nodding. Then Ba Malume surprised everyone by explaining the process step by step like a village teacher conducting practical lessons. “You simply dial *2026# using any network,” he said proudly. “Then you select your province, district, constituency, and choose whether you want to vote for MP, mayor, or councillor. After that, you select your preferred candidate and continue.” One old man looked shocked. “Even me with this small phone?”
Ba Malume laughed loudly. “Yes! Even that phone with a torch brighter than your future.” The whole shop exploded with laughter. “And the best part,” Ba Malume continued, raising his finger dramatically, “it is free. No talk time needed. You people like free things more than discipline.” The group now listened seriously as Ba Malume leaned forward and gave his final lesson. “Honestly, this is very organized. Instead of only a few people deciding candidates somewhere quietly, ordinary citizens are being asked to participate early. That is how strong systems are built.” He paused and added calmly, “I honestly wish other parties would also organize themselves like this and involve people properly.” The boys nodded in agreement while one man quickly removed his phone from his pocket like he was now ready for national duty. Ba Malume smiled proudly and concluded, “My sons, democracy is strongest when people are involved before decisions are made not after everything is already finished.”
