Electoral defeat a mental health issue – NGO
By Ludia Ngwadzai
THE Medical for Quality Healthcare in Zambia (MQHZ) director general Dr Quince Mwabu has warned that electoral defeat can have serious mental-health consequences for political candidates, particularly those who invest heavily in their political ambitions.
In an interview, Dr Mwabu said members of Parliament, mayors, councillors and other candidates who lose elections could experience disappointment, grief, uncertainty and a sudden loss of direction after investing financial and emotional resources in campaigns.
Dr Mwabu said losing an election should be understood as a political outcome rather than a reflection of an individual’s worth or capabilities.
“Losing an election is a political outcome and should never be regarded as a personal failure,” he said.
He said there was a huge emotional impact of defeat, warning that such an experience should not be underestimated.
Dr Mwabu said the loss of political office had the potential to create uncertainty about the future, particularly where financial pressures accompany the disappointment of losing an election.
“…candidates should be allowed time and given support to process the outcome instead of being expected to immediately appear strong and move on,” he said.
He said the healing process must be accompanied by withdrawal from social media and political discussions if they were worsening feelings of anxiety, anger, humiliation or hopelessness.
“Candidates should also give themselves permission to step away temporarily from social media, political debates and repeated coverage of the election,” he said.
Dr Mwabu urged families and friends to play an important role in helping defeated candidates recover.
“A candidate who has lost an election does not need pity or constant reminders of the defeat. They need dignity, companionship and someone willing to listen,” Dr Mwabu said.
He said family, professional work, business, education, faith, community service and other personal interests could help provide new meaning and direction after electoral defeat.
Dr Mwabu said families and friends should remain alert to signs that ordinary disappointment may be developing into a more serious mental-health problem.
