Election rejection is tough

An election campaign is like courting. In the recent elections, 150 candidates courted the electorate for their votes and support. Sixty-three candidates were chosen and 87 were rejected. We highlight the way candidates are dealing with rejection, hoping that this will provide useful lessons on dealing with rejection in our personal lives.

Betrayal: Many candidates invested time and resources in their campaigns. The people promised they were going to vote for them. People turned out in large numbers to party meetings. Many candidates felt betrayed when these promises did not result in a win. When people feel betrayed they are left with feelings of hurt and anger. These feeling s may linger for a long time.

Rejection: Most people enter an election race to win. Many candidates were expecting victory. The JLP was expecting a decisive electoral victory but they lost. This resulted in a profound sense of rejection and loss.

A sense of loss: Those who lost, lost big time. The political party lost and was kicked out of power. They lost their seats and, for many, they lost their jobs. Many people lost a source of income and for others it is the loss of power and status.

Losing an election is about dealing with feelings of betrayal, rejection and loss.

Coping with betrayal, rejection & loss

When we experience betrayal, rejection and loss, we go through several emotions such as despair and disbelief. People also go through the stages of anger, bargaining, depression and eventually acceptance. Eventually, we are able to put closure to the experience and move on.

1. Disbelief: Many persons were in a state of shock and disbelief after the elections. They just could not believe what was happening. The loss was unexpected.

2. Despair: Many were left in a state of despair. They had invested so much in the elections; they thought they were going to win.

3. Anger: It is understandable when people become angry after being rejected. The anger has come out in cross fires between people. It has been expressed by a lot of callers to talk shows. Some of this anger is directed toward the talk show hosts and to the voters. Anger is a real emotion and most people feel angry after rejection, betrayal and loss. People should not be hard on themselves for feeling angry. What is important is to accept the emotion and deal with it appropriately.

4. Bargaining: As people work through their emotions, in time they begin to bargain with themselves. They begin to discuss reasons for their loss and to look into themselves.

5. Acceptance: Eventually, most people get to that point when they accept the reality. They begin to accept their role in the process and start to take responsibility. They regroup and begin to energise as they assume the role of a vibrant opposition.

Losing an election can be a painful process. We do hope our leaders will work through their emotions individually and collectively. The country needs them and it needs a vibrant and responsible political opposition.

Dr Wendel Abel is a consultant psychiatrist and head, Section of Psychiatry, Dept Of Community Health and Psychiatry, University of the West Indies, 977-1108; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.