The Emotional Rollercoaster of Election Results
By Sylvia Edwards | The world held its breath... The dice is now cast. The U.S. election has left some wondering including myself.
By Sylvie Edwards for Sankarsingh-Gonsalves Productions
I want to preface this post with the fact that I don’t often or very rarely discuss elections of any kind. I was brought up to avoid talks about sex, religion and politics. As my dad used to call them – the holy trinity of conflict in any discussion.
Election results often evoke strong emotions, ranging from elation to disappointment. For many, the initial announcement of a favored candidate’s victory brings a wave of jubilation. However, as the dust settles and the reality of governance sets in, perceptions can shift dramatically. I will talk through this post about the psychological journey from the initial high of election results to the sobering reality that follows.
I don't think anyone was anticipating the overwhelming sentiment of the U.S. electorate with the majority vote from Tuesday’s Presidential U.S. election being as decisive as it was. (I understand that not all the votes have been counted but a winner has been declared without a doubt.)
I know I was personally expecting a much closer contest, and a winner not being clear for days. I did understand that this scenario might prove to be problematic considering some of the events of the last election. Based on the polls, adds, media coverage, a lot of people where not sure who would be the winner, but we now know without a doubt.
The Initial High
When election results are announced, supporters of the winning candidate or party often experience a surge of positive emotions. This jubilation is fueled by a sense of victory, validation of beliefs, and hope for positive change. The media coverage, celebratory speeches, and public festivities amplify these feelings, creating a collective euphoria.
The Reality Check
As the new administration begins its term, the initial excitement can give way to a more measured perspective. There is a period of reflection, sometimes doubt until we see some action. Several factors contribute to this shift:
Policy Implementation: The transition from campaign promises to actual policy implementation can be challenging. Voters may realize that not all promises can be fulfilled due to political, economic, or logistical constraints.
Compromises and Negotiations: Governance often requires compromise. Decisions made in the interest of broader consensus may not align perfectly with the expectations of all supporters, leading to disillusionment.
Unforeseen Challenges: New administrations frequently face unexpected challenges, such as economic downturns, natural disasters, or international conflicts. These issues can divert attention from the initial agenda and impact public perception.
Media Scrutiny: The honeymoon period is often short-lived as the media begins to scrutinize the new administration’s actions. Negative coverage or scandals can quickly dampen the initial enthusiasm.
In the long-term what does it mean?
Over time, voters develop a more nuanced understanding of their elected leaders. This perspective is shaped by the administration’s successes and failures, the state of the economy, and the overall direction of the country. Some may continue to support their leaders, while others may feel a sense of regret or disappointment.
The journey from election night jubilation to the reality of governance is a complex emotional process. While the initial excitement is a natural response to a perceived victory, it is important for voters to maintain a balanced perspective and remain engaged in the political process. Understanding that governance involves compromise and facing unforeseen challenges can help manage expectations and foster a more informed and resilient electorate.
There were a lot of issues at play during this past election. People wanted a drastic change, and I do believe that they got it. The world was holding its breath and now it waits for the next move. The majority has spoken, and we shall see if the following quote from Thomas Jefferson is put to the test.
“The government you elect is the government you deserve” - Thomas Jefferson
About the author: Sylvie Edwards has been involved in Project Management in several industries for more than 25 years. She is a post secondary #educator, and a blogger on all things related to #projectmanagement. Sylvie is a two term past President and current member on the board of directors for the PMI-DHC (Project Management Institute- Durham Highlands Chapter). She had the honour of being named Fellow of the Project Management Association of Canada (FPMAC).
