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Dear Editor,
I, who dabble in the media business from time to time, have observed a recurring trend among political parties in opposition in many countries. Many of these parties, while out of office, present beautiful, elaborate plans for what they intend to do when they get into political power. These proposals are often very nice, sometimes even impressive, and many have real merit. They speak about addressing issues in education, health, infrastructure, and the economy, among others. These plans are not only well thought out but also reflect a serious understanding of what the particular country might need.
But, here’s the issue — these plans, no matter how beautiful or thoughtful, are essentially worthless unless the party manages to get into office. It’s like having a lovely house blueprint but no land to build on. The point I am making is this: the only way these grand ideas can be implemented is if the party finds a way to win elections and secure power. Without that, all the nice, pretty plans are nothing more than wishful thinking.
Unfortunately, I have also noticed a severe shortage of similarly detailed and well-considered plans about how those parties intend to actually get into office. It seems like a gap in logic to have all these grand ideas without focusing just as much energy on getting into a position where they can be realised. It makes absolutely no sense to spend so much time telling the people what you will do when you get into office if you have no clear strategy for how to get there. Frankly, it is a bit comical.
Political parties must realise that their constituents are not fools. People are not sitting idly by, unaware of how the political process works. Voters today are more informed than ever and have access to a range of information sources. They are not simply going to buy into fancy promises anymore. People want to know that the party they support not only has a vision for the future but also has a real, tangible plan for how to achieve that vision. This means having a clear strategy for winning elections, building broad-based support, and securing the political capital needed to implement those beautiful proposals.
Without this crucial element, political parties are missing the point entirely. The road to office is just as important as the plans for what happens after the office is secured. It is all good and well to talk about what you will do when you get there, but the “how” is just as important. Constituents deserve that much respect. Treating voters as passive recipients of nice ideas without showing them the path to achieving those ideas is not just short-sighted; it is insulting.
Political parties anywhere in the world must stop underestimating their voters and start focusing on the full political process — not just the pretty end results but the practical steps to get there.
Yours truly,
Mark DaCosta
