How to Win an Election

 

 

 

Here are my suggestions

Not in any order

But a campaigning journey

Along political corridors.

 

Now don’t get me wrong,

I’ve never campaigned

But based on outcomes I’ve seen

Here is the little I’ve gained.

 

Differentiate between

Illiterate and electorate,

They are not one and the same;

Please, no need to debate.

 

The electorate are eligible,

The illiterate too

But the former sees the vision

And the latter has a view.

 

Dwell not on the last verse

If it’s over your head,

Most things baffle me nowadays

Hence, I am on alert “red”.

 

Red flags go up daily,

Matters not who’s in charge

And a lot of political leaders

Are criminals at large.

 

Forget the previous verse

If it rubs you the hard way,

Let’s get back to the poem’s title

And let this hold sway.

 

Highlight the past record:

Successes and failures,

It is far better to be transparent

And show the full picture.

 

To vilify your opponent

Is to vilify yourself,

It is very likely that if you win

You will adopt his health.

 

It has happened before

And more often than not

That the one doing the vilifying

Ended up doing more rot.

 

Be honest, if possible,

In the things you promise,

It is better to say what can be done

Than an unrealistic list.

 

Focus on the real needs

And not on your opponent

And if you form the Government,

Genuinely repent.

 

Saying sorry is hard

Especially if you mean it

But today’s leaders are so perfect

Sorry is not their habit.

 

Genuinely trust in God

And show that you truly do,

And not merely as a convenience

But that He shapes your view.

 

“To God be the glory

Great things He has done!”

The words of the current PM

When in 2018 she won.

 

I trust she remembers

Though I have my doubts

But one thing is very clear to me,

One day she’ll be out.

 

The “how”, I do not know,

But nothing lasts forever

Hence, why the Holy Bible cautions

Be wary of earthly treasure.

 

Earthly treasure is sandy

And will easily wash away

So, build on the rock, Christ Jesus

Each and every day.

 

Let your good speak

Louder than your words,

I will remember what you did

Above what I have heard.

 

When you’ve done all this

Let the people decide

And if you lose, lose graciously

And by the result abide.

 

The best election “win”

Is when the country wins

But regarding this kind of result,

Our vision is fairly dim.

 

Short-sighted by selfishness

Is not worthy to lead,

A servant-leader, if you please,

Is what we really need.

 

Stewart Russell © October 28, 2024