STARTING POINT

• Consider specific issues for the region/election ward which are both important and controversial to the people!
• If there is an incumbent in the race, analyze their political and personal profile! This includes: their age, gender, terms served, popularity, etc.
• Develop your own profile! What are your political and professional experience, new ideas, etc.?

PROFILE OF MY CONSTITUENTS

• Analyze your constituency! Consider how the following influence the electorate’s voting pattern and interests: demographic profile, age groups, gender, education level, structure of the religious groups, rural vs urban, etc.
• Research the election history of the constituency! Is there a pattern you can identify?
• Recognize the opinion leaders in the constituency! They may come from: Business community, Elders, popular persons/ celebrities, etc.
• Can anyone provide a testimonial for your campaign? Identify the communication channels in your constituency! Specific ones like local newspaper, TV, radio or digital media like Facebook, Instagram andTwitter, or other mobile devices. Who can you reach through which channel?

NEXT STEPS

• Identify campaign issues which are promising and where your ideas address the people’s interests!
• Design your communication strategy! Which channels are you prioritizing?
• Make effective use of digital media (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram etc.)!
• Design a memorable logo, color and claim/message/slogan (all of it has to be coherent in language and style)!
• Train your public appearance and review every performance to become better! Trustees should provide you with honest feedback.
• Set up your campaign team (volunteers) and office!
• Organize regular meetings with opinion leaders and multiplier to communicate your agenda without media! Word of mouth travels fast, and people hold it for more trustworthy.

FINAL REMARKS

• No trash talking on opponents!
• Always be polite and do not be arrogant! If you are pretty smart, you do not have to demonstrate it.
• If the election is lost, congratulate with civility! If you win, win with decency. Manners matter in a democracy and people have a long memory.