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It must be an emotional rollercoaster ride for someone who lost an election
The one thing I can say to you right now is thank you for taking a risk and putting yourself out there as a viable candidate. You took the trouble to stand out when a lot of other people sat back and just blended. At least you contributed to the conversations, debates and choice of the electorate, which makes a big difference.
The truth about an election is that everyone who stands or runs for an election desires to win, but there has to be only one winner. Yes, you weren’t elected or selected, but that doesn’t change the significance of your heart, your desires, your passions, your abilities, your skills, your intentions, or your dreams. It merely changed your plans.
No matter the outcome, remember to thank those who helped you, especially your campaign managers, financiers, those who pasted your posters in different areas and the silent supporters. Not only did they give you their vote, but also gave you the most expensive gift on earth – time!
You can even throw them a special party because they have earned it. You are their main source of positive energy at a time like this. It will encourage them to restore their confidence in you.
It might be hard, but congratulate the person who trounced you. It is never a sign of cowardice, but victory over those emotions that leave you feeling out of sync and uncertain. The beauty about a failed campaign is it helps you to learn from it.
You get to know what you need to do differently next time, who you need to bring on your campaign task force, where to invest more and what exactly you need to say that the people want to hear. It will give you an edge when you enter your next campaign.
It is at this point in time when you need to talk to friends or engage in sports activities that will help you find a sense of balance through the realization that your life and your significance is more than the results of an election.
When you lose an election, the only thing that really changes is your plans. You don’t need to change your life; you just need to change your plan. Start looking at your options. Now is the time to start thinking about what is next.
Take a look back at your campaign themes and the ideas you were hoping to implement. Use your time to organise fundraising events, to train your members on campaign techniques and to strengthen your internal and external communication.
As the political landscape has shifted, so will your political action. The fact is you are working in a new political reality. You will have to deal with your defeat but also have to deal with the results of the other parties. After all, you are not working in a political vacuum.
