Overcoming post-election blues

I learned many lessons from the 2015 elections, but the one that stood out the most was a true story about how an entrepreneur lost a huge business deal over a post that revealed her preferred candidate. Like many of us today, she was very vocal during the presidential campaign.

Not realizing how airing political views could adversely affect her business, she defended her candidate with reckless abandon until she lost a turnkey project. The perks of the contract, which included all-expense paid trips abroad and a total service charge huge enough to relocate her family to the same island, got washed away.

Suddenly, the client stopped picking up her calls as she got barred from the project and the premises. She described the dead silence from the client as deafening, tear-jerking, and extremely painful. Her experience taught me a big lesson about separating politics from business; it’s a secret ballot system for a reason.

Elections come and go, but the effects usually linger on many people. Although it is common to experience various emotions, including nerves, anxiety, and grief after an election, this range of emotions usually occurs when the election results can seriously affect a significant state, country, and the world.

Hence people have strong opinions about the candidates and issues at stake. However, it is imperative not to roughen feathers during the campaign stage because neither polls, popularity, nor enthusiasm can guarantee 100% who wins.

Uncertainty is one of the primary causes of election day nerves. While exit polls and early results may be available, the outcome may not be known for days or weeks. This waiting period can be nerve-wracking as people speculate about possible development and what they could mean for the future.

Another factor contributing to election day nerves is the divisive nature of many elections. Political campaigns often involve heated rhetoric and personal attacks, creating tension and conflict that carries over into the election. People may worry about the possibility of violence or unrest, particularly if the election results are contested or disputed.

Thirdly, the stakes of the election also contribute to people’s nerves. Depending on the outcome, there may be significant changes in policy or leadership that could impact people’s lives in diverse ways. For example, a change in administration could result in changes to healthcare, taxes, or foreign policy, among other areas.

Aside from the already mentioned causes of election day nerves, Africans have a peculiar nerve linked to their safety before, during, and after elections. The ability or inability to exercise their constitutional right to vote without fear of attack, disenfranchisement, or rigging is of significant concern to us all.

Regardless of who wins, some people would always feel aggrieved by the possibility of a stolen mandate, hence why politics is often called a game. Therefore, we should always endeavor to avoid becoming a sore loser at all costs.

Feeling nervous or apprehensive during every election phase is normal, especially if there is so much uncertainty or contentiousness. However, it is essential to remain calm, stay grounded and remember that a genuinely democratic process ensures every vote counts and every voice is heard. However, where there is an aberration, there are peaceful and legal means of challenging such status quo, and the aggrieved should pursue these.