The Bible states – "When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked rule, the people mourn" - Proverbs 29:2.

The elections are upon us once again, the process of choosing and installing new political leaders and political systems. I have been asked many times - especially during election seasons like this; "How and who should I vote?". My answer has always been the same; "Use the Biblical principles God has laid out and you will always find the best leader". And today I wish to make public this guideline for choosing political leaders.

I hereby present to you, seven major time-tested and universal principles for choosing a political leader, according to the Bible book of DEUTERONOMY 17:14-20.

1. HE SHALL BE WHOM THE LORD HAS CHOSEN:

Set someone that God has chosen. First pray for the candidates, even the ones whom you do not like;

“I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for ALL people, for KINGS and ALL who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way” (1 Tim. 2:1-2).
Secondly, come to God in prayers and ask him for direction - “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him…” (Prov. 3:5-6). Then listen to your conscience...that is the voice of your spirit.

2. HE SHALL BE ONE FROM AMONG YOUR BRETHREN:

As a Christian a fellow believer should be preeminent in your choice of a leader - even if he is not from your tribe or region.

Nevertheless, a Cyrus (an unbeliever) can be considered if the believer comes short of the other factors below. Remember that you are not voting for a pastor, but for a president. The candidate might not share all of your theological views, but if he/she is committed to fair and righteous policies, then you might want to consider voting for this candidate. Isaiah 45:11.

3. HE SHALL NOT MULTIPLY HORSES TO HIMSELF:

This alludes to seeking foreign military aids, coalitions and alliances in order to intimidate perceived threats from opposition factions. It also connote dictatorship and speaks of a police state or military junta.

Any political candidate who has a record or traits of a tyrant, should be avoided at the polls.

4. HE SHALL NOT CAUSE THE PEOPLE TO RETURN TO EGYPT:

Any aspiring leader who seem not to have a clue as to how to look inwards for answers to the nation's problems, but always look to foreign financial assistance, military assistance, foreign exploitation of the country's resources, etc, is not fit to lead the nation as this would inadvertently mean neo-colonization...or modern slavery. If a nation ALWAYS scurry to obtain foreign assistance over trivial issues, that nation is not really independent.

5. HE SHALL NOT MULTIPLY WIVES:

Vote for a candidate who respects family values.

Will the candidate promote abortion, or will he/she fight for the sacredness of life in the womb? Does the candidate endorse so-called “same-sex marriage,” or will he/she uphold the biblical definition of Marriage - a union between ONE man and ONE woman only? Each candidate should be evaluated in light of these and other moral questions, not a person that is promiscuous or immoral. Immorality corrodes mentality and blinds vision.

6. HE SHALL NOT GREATLY MULTIPLY SILVER AND GOLD FOR HIMSELF:

He must not be economically corrupt.

One way to test an aspiring national political leader in the areas of economic development and human capital development is to;

a. ascertain the per capital income of his constituents,
b. verify the success of his personal business ventures or official positions held,
c. and investigate the scorecards of his previous administration or achievements.

The Bible says that during the reign of king Solomon, he amassed so much wealth for the nation such that silver was like ordinary stones in Jerusalem - 1 Kings 10: 27. Therefore the aspiring leader must prove that he can build the common wealth of the people and not just his own personal wealth.

7. HE MUST BE RULED BY HIGHER VALUES:

Finally, before deciding on your choice of a political leader, ensure that such a person has shown that he or she vehemently speaks and vigorously advocates for religious tolerance, fears God and respects the spiritual leaders of every religion in the nation.

Furthermore, the candidate must prove to be very knowledgeable about the country's constitution and must have a track record of having respect for the rule of law.

And if, after you follow through this process in selecting a leader, and cast your vote, but your preferred candidate - the one whom you felt convinced was the right one that God's spirit led you to vote for didn't eventually emerge the winner after voting – just know this; GOD APPOINTS, BUT MAN MAKES A CHOICE. Recognize that from eternity past, God has already ordained our next political leader but men have the power to either accept or reject God's appointed.

God can also use man's choice to fulfill His will.

Therefore, as it is written; “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God” (Romans 13:1).

Happy new elections month. Shalom.

The man that knows what is good governance