Meaning: This quote by Chinua Achebe, a renowned Nigerian writer, delves into the complex relationship between a society and its leaders. Achebe, known for his insightful commentary on African politics and society, highlights the potential consequences of a lack of regular, free elections on the quality of leadership. In essence, the quote suggests that when a society goes for a long time without utilizing the freedom to elect its leaders, it may lose the ability to discern and choose the best candidates for leadership positions.

Chinua Achebe's works often reflect the socio-political landscape of Nigeria and Africa at large, and this quote is no exception. Achebe's own experiences growing up in Nigeria and witnessing the impact of colonialism and post-colonial governance have heavily influenced his perspectives on leadership and governance.

The first part of the quote, "They have not always elected the best leaders, particularly after a long period in which they have not used this facility of free election," alludes to the idea that when a society fails to exercise its right to free and fair elections over an extended period, it may lead to the election of subpar leaders. This can be attributed to a lack of practice in the electoral process, diminishing the society's ability to discern and select competent leaders. Achebe seems to suggest that the act of regularly engaging in free and fair elections is essential for maintaining and honing the populace's judgment and decision-making skills when it comes to choosing capable leaders.

The second part of the quote, "You tend to lose the habit," implies that the ability to make informed electoral decisions is a skill that can diminish over time if not regularly practiced. This is a profound observation about human behavior and societal dynamics. Achebe seems to caution that the longer a society goes without exercising its right to free and fair elections, the more likely it is to become complacent and apathetic towards the electoral process. This complacency can lead to a weakened capacity to identify and elect the best leaders, ultimately resulting in a cycle of mediocre or inadequate leadership.

Achebe's words resonate not only in the context of Nigerian and African politics but also have universal applicability. The concept of the electorate losing the habit of selecting the best leaders due to prolonged absence of free elections can be observed in various societies across the globe. It underscores the importance of regular and meaningful participation in democratic processes for the maintenance of effective governance and leadership.

In conclusion, Chinua Achebe's quote succinctly captures the critical relationship between a society's engagement in free and fair elections and the quality of its leadership. His astute observation serves as a reminder of the vital role that active, informed participation in the electoral process plays in sustaining effective governance. The quote prompts reflection on the significance of upholding democratic principles and the potential ramifications of neglecting the practice of free and fair elections.