Of Elections and Lessons

Well, let me say, its been such a long time since i've written a blog. Truth is, I almost forgot that I has one, until one very sharp soul politely reminded me that its time i write one (actually it was more like "#%$&@*#(@*& your blog!!!!" but we'll let that pass).


This time I would like to share my thoughts on something that has taken my time in the last few days. Yes, Ladies and Gentlemen, for those who know me, it is THE ELECTIONS.
Democracy (from Greek δημοκρατία (demokratia), δημος (demos) the common people + κρατειν (kratein) to rule + the suffix ία, literally "the common people rule") is a form of government where the population of a society controls the government. The earliest forms of democracy were used by (surprise! surprise!) republics in ancient India, which were established sometime before the 6th century BC, and prior to the birth of Buddha. These republics were known as Maha Janapadas, and among these states, Vaishali, in what is now Bihar, India, was the world's first republic. Later during the time of Alexander the Great in the 4th century BC, the Greeks wrote about the Sabarcae and Sambastai states in what is now Pakistan and Afghanistan, whose "form of government was democratic and not regal" according to Greek scholars at the time.


The term "democracy" in the original word in Ancient Greek - was coined in ancient Athens in the 5th century BC. Athenian democracy is generally seen as one of the earliest examples of a system corresponding to some of the modern notions of democratic rule. Only a sixth or a quarter of the whole adult male population of Athens could vote; but this was a bar of nationality, like the present German franchise, not of economic status: however poor they were, all Athenian citizens were free to vote and speak in the Assembly. Ancient Athenian citizens made decisions directly, rather than voting for representatives. This form of democracy that was present in Athens is known as direct democracy.


My tryst with democracy started last week and ended only a couple of days ago. It started when I decided to stand for the post of secretary in a particular field. It was a one-off decision based on the fact that I really felt, I had the credentials for the job and in addition, felt this was a golden chance for me to take up responsibility in a post and do justice. I also felt, this was a good chance for me to change things in general in the hostel and to leave a mark, a legacy which any future secretary would then uphold.


For about one week, I campaigned the best I could, talked to everyone. Put forth certain points which i felt should be changed and in general was trying my best to be seen everywhere and with everyone. I talked to seniors, some more willing to listen, some who had already decided and were simply asking me stuff which I had to answer. I spoke to juniors, tried to inspire them with my master plan, and put forth my views on how and why they should involve themselves. To the best of my ability, I worked hard sometimes slept at two, sometimes working for four hours straight. Eating less, sleeping lesser, the usual sob story.


Sadly, when it came to counting day, I was to realise that I am not the winning candidate. Infact, I was polled in as the person with the least number of votes. This left me kind of disillusioned. I was sure, that I was the right guy for the job, I have strong organising skills, efficiency has always been my motto, and the sheer variety and magnitude of my credentials and achievements required for this post itself would have been enough. But apparently, two thirds of the hostel didn't think so. And i lost. Despite this, I don't feel sad, only relief that its over and happiness over one major fact.


The post that i contested for has had one of the most cleanest campaigns ever. None of the candidates in the fray ever said something bad about the other. There was overall goodwill and the feeling that whoever wins, its still a team game and all contributions are welcome/necessary.


I have come to the following conclusion about elections in general:

1) The reason people vote for you is not because you are efficient, really good at your job, or someone who has a really good feel for a position. They vote for you because they know you. You could be the most brilliant guy on earth, but if people don't know you, they don't trust you. If they don't trust you, they feel that you might not meet their expectations, if they feel so, they won't vote.

2) Never underestimate the importance of regionalism, especially in a country like India. It has anything and everything to do with and election. Somehow, there is a sort of security which one gets from a candidate from his/her own region. That automatically translates into a vote. I'm not being idealistic but i feel, it could be different. If you don't speak the common man's language, there is no security for him to like you.

3) Always make sure that you make your target person feel good. Don't talk about big things, the overall picture. Whoever it is, make it personal. Make it affect them. You could have a million plans, but if you don't affect the target, your plans are useless.

4) People always are like a flock of sheep. They will go for who their friends, colleagues, family etc go for. Barring a few exceptions, it will always be there. This again is due to familiarity.

5) It isn't enough to do work for people. It is necessary to work and MAKE SURE everyone knows about it. If required, one should make a big deal out of it. So EVERYONE knows. This is what will impress people. Its not about holding the golden egg, its about making people THINK you have the golden egg.

6) A politician is a politician is a politician. You can never trust guys who play politics. They will say yes I will vote for you and say yes I will vote for you to your rival as well. Ultimately they will vote for the guy who they like/will help them more/is less of a threat to their supremacy. Their aim is not vote, but to put a guy in a post. Atleast that is how I see them. I really don't want to anything with such people even if they help me win. I'd rather lose than go and grovel at
their feet, kiss certain regions of their bodies or make them feel like they are champions (which they are so not).

7) Nothing talks better than money. However temporary monetary benefits are, if people see money coming their way when a candidate is elected, they go for him, without the slightest thought of whether they will actually get their cash.

8) One must be willing to do anything and everything to get elected. To be fair, it requires a lot of hardwork, to be able to talk to different sections of people in different ways. It is a non-stop affair, running around talking. Infact, so much that you must neglect every other sane aspect of your life for the electoral period and focus only on this. If you are not capable of doing this, you shouldn't stand.

9) You must be perceived as popular, that in itself is half the job done.

10) Timing is everything. You have to meet the maximum people in their best moods in minimum time.

11) Anyone who you've never talked to before, but still smiles at you and behaves nicely with you won't vote for you.

12) Temporary sops always score over long term benefits.

13) Last but not the least, to win, it is essential to make as many promises catering to as many sections of society as possible. Whether or not one can implement them is not critical. The fact is people will see only THAT promise that affects them and leave the rest as don't-care conditions. On the whole, it is necessary, to adopt the bombastic, go ahead and impress people saying one can do everything and making sure you please people so much, you get elected.

Yes, this is what i've learnt, some of these lessons might be good, some might need change. The bottomline is this, I am very happy that i've participated in these elections. It has taught me a lot, about the person I should be. In addition, it has told me, that a loss is a loss and that I should really worry about such things as long as I'm doing good work. If I am satisfied with that, then I don't need any popular verdict to tell me who i really am.

Thanks for your patience.
>>Berhael

Disclaimer: All these points are merely observations posted by the Blog artist. They are not aimed at any particular person/group of people, nor are their intentions to hurt the feelings of anyone. Sportive spirit will be appreciated.