The Rise - Chapter 62

There were a few claps from the audience at the end of Leon’s speech – passionate George supporters happy that someone finally stood up for him. The monitoring panel then asked generic routine questions about how the candidates aim to improve life in school, what are their goals, how they aim to ensure academic excellence and what changes they plan to make to recreational activities in school. There was relatively little discussion between the candidates as they gave text-book answers. Finally, the debate reached its final stretch in which the candidates were able to talk freely.

“We will have around ten minutes for free debate between the candidates. You must allow the candidate to finish their thought before replying – do not shout and speak over each other. In order to give all candidates a fair chance to speak we will give around 45 seconds per statement. Sinclair will be given the chance to reply first – the discussion will flow freely after that. You now have the floor.” said the Vice President.

Sinclair stayed seated and looked around at the audience before beginning.

“Jessica’s argument is clear. Vote for me because if something can be done, maybe I can do it. Perhaps it seems logical to say if these changes are possible, then I ought to vote for someone who will at least try, but this is exactly Jessica’s clear deception. She already knows it is not possible and is trying to guilt you into voting for her – trying to make you think you’ll regret not voting for her if the changes end up being possible. But the reality isn’t one of logic, but rather integrity. If you vote for Jessica, then she would have successfully made a fool out of you – she has no reason to try to make those changes – especially as a student who understands her scholarship depends on her academic performance. Which do you think she will prioritize if this impossible task becomes too much? You, or herself? And as for Leon-”

“Apologies Sinclair, your 45 seconds are up.” said the Vice President cutting Sinclair short – almost purposely as soon as he said Leon.

Jessica quickly decided to pick up the discussion. She tapped a timer on her phone.

“And as for Leon” she said finishing Sinclair’s thought “it seems ludicrous to believe his suspension story. We’ve all been watching the National News Agency after school, Leon is only trying to use those rumors of his grandmother’s influence to his favor. Let me ask you this, if Leon’s grandmother truly had the kind of power he claims, then wouldn’t those rumors be true and therefore wouldn’t she simply be able to choose a winner? Why would Leon even try as hard as he did to win when his grandmother could simply give him the win? His story doesn’t add up. And to Sinclair, it may be hard for you to balance academics and non-academic activities – but I’ve been doing it since the day I stepped foot in this school.” said Jessica, quickly ending her last thought as her 45 seconds came to an end.

Sinclair wanted to reply, but Leon beat him to it.

“There was only one student from Unitare to have ever won this election twice in a row. Do you know who she was?” said Leon rhetorically to the crowd. Many of them didn’t know the answer, but the ones who did quickly turned to their friends and began whispering the answer causing an almost collective reaction of shock. “It was my mother. Whether my mother won fair and square or by the help of my grandmother is up for you to decide. If you’re appalled that my grandmother rigged these elections, then I ask you to stop pretending to care. These elections never mattered, not to us and not to anyone. Nevertheless, this year’s count of the votes will not be done by the Principal – it will be done by three independent individuals chosen by each candidate to ensure there is no rigging.” said Leon as the crowd began murmuring at the newly developed information. Jessica raises her eyebrows upon hearing the news and Sinclair smiles in disbelief – he knew this was the work of his brother Thomas.

“But rigging or not, one thing still remains true. The only person in this room who has the influence to give you what you want – is still me.” said Leon ending his overtime statement again.

Jessica and Sinclair remained silent for a few seconds contemplating.

The Principal knew trying to discredit any claims made by Leon regarding rigging will only make things look more suspicious. She chose to remain silent, allowing the candidates to claim whatever they wanted. This way she gave off the air of not caring, and thus showing these statements are of no importance.

After a long silence Leon turns towards Jessica who was still looking at him with lost eyes. She had never seen him like this. He always thought every step through, was careful with his words, but right now – he seems to have no reservations or boundaries. He looked like he simply didn’t care anymore.