Election Blues

     "Always a Revealing Season"

  A recollection of my Election Seasons at The University of the West Indies, Mona

To all the present, past and prospective UWI, Mona students, I respect you. Not only because of the common factor being the UWI, but also because of the Golden Rule: "Do unto others as you would have others do unto you." 

In hindsight, that was the lynch pin of my persona which never faded even in moments when winning was made out to be the "be all and end all" of the election season. 

In brief, in 2018 and 2019 I contested for the positions of Mary Seacole Hall Deputy Chairperson and Guild Vice President, Properties and Special Initiatives respectively. I won the former and lost the latter. However, in retrospect it is the latter that I WON!

Call me a crazy gambler if you think I am confusing my wins. Call me a wise woman if you can see past the irony. Whichever you choose. You have the right to vote! Go ahead, cast your ballot!

To confess, when I matriculated The University of the West Indies Mona, from Camperdown High School I did not know of the 'Guild' nor the full scale of what "life/election on a hall of residence/campus" would entail. Of course I knew what the University was about and the Law Degree I was pursuing.  Nonetheless, I was not new to the leadership arena as I served in numerous capacities as student leader in my earlier years. Three of which were Head Girl, Debate President and Valedictorian at Camperdown High School. Thus, when I got to The UWI, my leadership qualities were noticed and respected. It was not shocking, when the current Chairperson and Deputy for Mary Seacole Hall had nominated me to vie for Deputy Chairperson of the Hall.

What was surprising was the atmosphere after the nomination became public. This, was my very first encounter with campaigns, elections and sinister vices. I felt as though I had robbed  some of my seniors of their hegemony and some of my fellow juniors of  their distance in the 'race'. Who dared me, a fresher, a new sister to the 'hood' to be nominated and subsequently elected as Deputy Chairwoman? A position that landed me on the "Mighty Guild" in my very first year. What I had seen as a worthy accomplishment, to this day feels like a pyrrhic victory. Still,  I reminded myself daily of my virtues. Never loosing sight of who I am. Holding dear to me my integrity and even dearer, the fact that each person has the right to vote and confide in whichever leader they choose.

When it comes on to elections, that leader may or may not be you. I understood that and it made me campaign with my character in tact. As I do not believe a win nor a loose is worth me getting out of character for. 

Of a fact, campaigns and elections build grit and wisdom. One ought not be thinned skinned. As sometimes you will be offended. If not by your direct opposition, then by members of their team, supporters, content etc. It happens. Both ways. Just the same, your team, supporters and content may offend others too. Most importantly though, you will gather wisdom. It is a season for differentiating different types of leaderships and friendships. This is the season when you get a reading of people's character and attitude towards another's success, downfall and existence. Many of  the things that surprised me in my first election, failed to surprise me in the second.

By this, I had realized and anticipated various attempts at character assassination. Lady Justice, I did not follow suit. I noticed throughout the season, stories of half truths, manicured lies, pedicured persuasions. The bad thing is that there will be persons who believe and propagate. The good thing is that, to date, my conscience allows me to sleep. 

What I found too was that students support, campaign and subsequently vote for many different reasons. Similar to what happens across the board with elections. Some persons will vote or omit to vote for a particular candidate because:

•  Of the resonance of their message. 
• Who they believe is more competent
• Provisions/promises  made to address specific needs
• Loyalty and alliance
• Confidence in or the lack there of
• Biases
• Spite
• Old grudges 
• Age
• Sex 
• Religion etc

While it sounds harsh, it is true. These factors continue to play a major role in elections to date. Therefore, person 'A' getting a person to vote for him or her may not be because they like 'A'. But because they dislike person 'B'. Similarly, an individual may not have voted for 'A' because they have more confidence in the work of 'B'. You get the gist. 

As soon as we are ready to have these discussions with an open mind and transparency, comments from all angles are welcomed .Again, the vote is yours. Cast your ballot 'yay' or 'nay'. 

Now back to my assertion earlier. It was the latter of my two elections that I really won! Firstly, I left trouble makers hanging on to carbon dioxide, as I did not oxidize their attempts to breed rivalry. Keep your votes I thought. I'll keep my peace. Secondly, I did not at all feel as though I was robbing anyone of their hegemony.  In fact, I was bolder and knew very well my capabilities. To add, I was contesting against someone who contested healthily. That was refreshing. Commendations to him. He won. I lost, with grace and dignity. Nonetheless, he was the only candidate I have contested against who did not engage in 'foul political normalcies'. While I cannot confidently speak for his team and other supporters I can of him. And that made me proud to know....it is POSSIBLE.

Thirdly, I dismissed the 'pity parties'. It was very kind of persons to check up on me after the ballots were counted and I was not declared victor. I appreciated that and I made sure to tell each person I valued their time and kindness. I told them too, that I wasn't in a state of pity nor should they...and I meant that. To this day, I am happy that I did not have a bitter outlook for the winner nor my decision to contest. See, I participated in an election, which will naturally have a victor and a not so victorious person.

My tips to lady Justice:

• Good sportsmanship is imperative. While your opponent may or may not be your friend,
   it is always good to win with grace and loose with dignity.

• Campaign with grace and dignity too.

• While we cannot control another's perspective, we can control our own. What we speak of others, is it true? Or is it part of the election blues?

• Monitor closely the attitude towards elections, campaigns and sportsmanship on campus. It says a lot, as the space is a microcosm of our society.