People that elect corrupt politicians, imposters and traitors are not victims but accomplices – Are we all guilty?

When George Orwell penned the phrase, "A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves, and traitors are not victims but accomplices," he was not merely pointing fingers at the misdeeds of politicians, but at the broader societal complicity in tolerating, enabling, and even endorsing such leadership. It's an uncomfortable truth: we, the citizens, are part of the system, either by action or inaction. But how did we reach this point of collective responsibility? And more importantly, is there a way out?

2024 is one of the defining year for World politics. Elections have happened in France, United Kingdom, India, Thailand and many other countries. United States is going to poll next and Bangladesh is expected to elect a new government as well. I don’t recall any year in recent memory which has seen such a busy slate of national elections across the Globe. This is what makes this article important to discuss. 

What makes us complicit?

I often wonder: Are we truly powerless when faced with corrupt leadership, or do we play a more significant role in the process than we care to admit? It is easy to distance ourselves from the misdeeds of the politicians we elect, but in reality, democracy is a double-edged sword. It grants us power, but with that power comes responsibility. Ignorance, apathy, or indifference? They don’t absolve us of guilt. Instead, they deepen the cracks in the very foundation of democracy. 

Take India, for example. A survey conducted by Transparency International in 2022 revealed that 39 per cent of the population believed corruption was on the rise. Yet, many of these same people cast their votes for individuals with criminal records. Is this a failure of the political system, or a reflection of our complacency? Orwell’s words hit harder when we recognise our own hand in the matter.

Why do we elect the unworthy? 

Have you ever stopped to ask: Why do we elect individuals with questionable integrity? There’s a psychological element at play. Psychologists call it the status quo bias—our preference for things to remain the same, even when change is desperately needed. We resist the unknown, clinging to the familiar, even when it is bad for us. 

Another factor is the halo effect, where we judge someone based on one positive trait, ignoring their glaring flaws. A politician’s charisma, eloquence, or promises of prosperity can blind us to their corruption, creating a cognitive dissonance where we justify their actions. 

I recall a conversation with a friend about a popular politician with a shady past. When I questioned her support, she shrugged and said, "At least he’s one of us. Better the devil you know, right?" That is the crux of the problem—we are too comfortable with the devils we know.

Can ignorance be an excuse? 

One question I keep circling back to is: Can we truly claim ignorance? With information so readily available in this digital age, it’s difficult to believe that people are entirely unaware of the transgressions of those they elect. In fact, a Pew Research study from 2020 showed that over 70% of voters in the United States actively consumed political news during election periods. However, being informed doesn’t necessarily mean being discerning. 

Information overload is a real challenge. We are bombarded with conflicting narratives from the media, social networks, and political campaigns. It is easy to get lost in the noise, but choosing not to engage critically is a conscious decision. Scrolling past an article that challenged our political beliefs because it was easier to stay within the comfort zone. 

How does our apathy fuel corruption? 

Apathy is often seen as an individual failing, but in the context of politics, it becomes a societal epidemic. When large segments of the population stop caring, stop voting, or vote without researching, the system stagnates. Corruption thrives in this stagnant environment.

Consider Brazil, where the Lava Jato (Operation Car Wash) scandal exposed widespread corruption involving politicians and business elites. In the years following the scandal, voter turnout dropped, and many citizens expressed a loss of faith in democracy. But that loss of faith, instead of spurring change, created a vacuum for even more corruption to seep in. 

Is it apathy or cynicism that leads to such disengagement? Many feel their vote doesn’t matter, but every vote cast—or not cast—carries consequences. In a democracy, power lies with the people, but when the people relinquish that power through indifference, they become complicit in the system’s decay. 

Is it possible to break the cycle? 

Is there a way to stop electing corrupt politicians, imposters, and thieves? The solution, it seems, lies in both education and accountability. We need to educate ourselves, our communities, and the next generation on civic responsibility and critical thinking. But beyond that, we must hold ourselves accountable. 

There is a powerful example from Estonia, where in 2007, the government introduced one of the most comprehensive e-governance systems in the world. The transparency it created made it significantly harder for politicians to engage in corrupt practices. Citizens could actively track government spending and hold their leaders accountable. It worked because the people were involved, not passive observers. 

What role does social media play? 

In today’s age, we cannot ignore the role social media plays in shaping political landscapes. But are we using it responsibly? In many cases, social media is a breeding ground for disinformation, echo chambers, and polarization. But it also has the potential to be a powerful tool for change. 

In 2019, youth-led movements across the globe—such as Greta Thunberg’s climate strike—demonstrated the power of social media to mobilise people for a cause. If used correctly, platforms like X and TikTok can be used to spread awareness, fact-check, and inspire activism.

But we must be wary of reducing political engagement to mere hashtag activism. It is one thing to tweet #NoMoreCorruption, and another to show up at the polls, attend town halls, and engage with the democratic process on a meaningful level. 

What are the psychological consequences of political disillusionment?

Now, let us look into the mental health aspect. Political corruption and societal complicity aren’t just theoretical concepts—they take a real toll on people’s mental well-being. Feeling powerless in the face of systemic issues can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and depression. A 2017 study by the American Psychological Association found that 57 per cent of Americans said the current political climate was a significant source of stress. 

I have personally felt that weight during election cycles—the constant barrage of bad news, the sense that no matter what we do, nothing changes. It is exhausting. But disengaging from the process only worsens the feeling of helplessness. When we act, even in small ways, we reclaim some of that lost power. 

Can we make a difference? 

The question we should all be asking is: Can we really make a difference? And the answer, though it may not always seem so, is yes. But it requires effort. It requires us to move beyond cynicism and take ownership of the fact that we are not victims of corrupt politicians, but accomplices if we allow it to continue. 

We need to actively participate in our democracies, educate ourselves and others, and demand better from our leaders. It is not enough to simply vote every few years—we need to stay engaged, stay informed, and stay critical. Our complicity doesn’t end at the ballot box. 

Frequently asked Questions

1. Why do people vote for corrupt politicians?

There are various psychological and societal factors, such as status quo bias, the halo effect, and lack of information, that can lead people to overlook corruption in favour of other perceived benefits. 

2. How does apathy contribute to political corruption?

Apathy allows corruption to thrive because it creates a passive electorate that does not hold politicians accountable for their actions. 

3. Can individual actions really impact large-scale political corruption?

Yes, individual actions such as voting, staying informed, participating in community initiatives, and holding leaders accountable can collectively lead to significant change.

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Tushar Mangl writes on mental health, soul food, leisure activities, and a greener, better society. Speaker, author’s of Hey Honey Bunch, Ardika, and I Will Do It.