The 29 May elections will be the mother of all elections. And if military strategist Carl Von Clausewitz believed that war is a continuation of politics by other means, then I am convinced that elections are a continuation of war through political means. Well, sort of.
The road to the Union Buildings is never easy and winning is everything. After all, you are in it to win it. If not, just go home, eat popcorn and watch Mr. Bean or something like that. Just like war, winning elections require strategy, determination, means, and persuasion.
Lessons from Sun Tzu’s Art of War provides a formula for success: “If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles.”
You need to know the ways, actions, methods, and flaws of your opponents, including yours, of course. Looking at the canvas of our body politics, it is painted with all colourful sorts you can imagine.
We have the populist, religious, ethnic, and supremacist types of this world.
But showing that nothing will ever replace the 112-year-long rich history of a broad church built on inclusivity and respect for all, you are one step closer to laughing all the way to the Union Buildings, again and again.
Remind them you are in the game for the love of it.
With 1 742 registered political parties, there is no escaping from bruises, cries, and smiles. Several will be written off, some will count their losses, and few will win. It is in the nature of the game. Be prepared for some eggs in your face. Voters do not play.
Every poster must solidify your image. Prepare targeted voting bloc messages for different voters, maximise the use of social media and the campaign focused on group discussions, utilise hot-spot canvassing and public appearances. For door-to-door campaigns, be prepared to be hounded by vicious, angry and, sometimes, hungry dogs.
“Let your plans be dark and impenetrable as night, and when you move, fall like a thunderbolt” Sun Tzu writes. Yes, keep your opponents guessing. Like all things done in shades of darkness, your opponents should not know if you are coming or going.
Unleash your fear with a Mr Fix Razzmatazz’s spell cast on your opponents. Hit them with keep-the-lights-on Sputla’s left-to-the-right, and throw your hands in the air with electric dance moves that will leave Skomota in awe.
“Treat your men as you would your own beloved sons. And they will follow you into the deepest valley” Sun Tzu’s teachings continue to lead.
- Your path to winning elections should be based on respect and care for all those in your election campaign. But to convince the voters, they need to be the living examples of that life. Go beyond the provision of whatever fried chicken and chips to your volunteers. Empower them, give them jobs. This is true appreciation of their dedication that will set them on a path of loyalty. And like somebody then, “they will die for you”. Dr Mafole Mokalobe writes in his personal capacity.
