Out with the old and yet same old

It's the beginning of a new year and all over the world people are already well on their way to failing their resolutions. For the people in this country, the turn of the year will hardly be expected to provide a reprieve from the growing disillusionment with our political system. If anything, things are set to become substantially worse before getting better again. With that in mind, we decided to hold the elections in Gamchhaland. Time to roll out the ballot boxes and the obnoxiously loud speakers booming crass slogans. Do not be alarmed if you find striking similarities to real life persons/parties because Gamchhaland is in a parallel universe not unlike our own (minus the never-ending river of blood, perhaps). As for all of us who seemingly rent out living space without a say in our own country's 'democracy', I ask you to dig deep and carry on. The proverbial silver lining might be nowhere in sight but it's still a dream worth dreaming. And if you do end up failing on your resolutions, then big deal. Life hardly ever works out the way we plan it. Here's to new beginnings.
 

– Ahmad Ibrahim, Sub-editor, SHOUT.