THERE is an emerging challenge for incumbent administrations all over the world.
To be sure, because of all the never-ending sleepless nights, the back-breaking events and travels, the heart-breaking criticisms, all present dispensations believe that they are doing a good job, if not really great work, and that they have incomparable achievements, if not inter-generational accomplishments.
Without a doubt, each and every single one of these leaders undeniably think that they have done, and are doing, and will continue to do, anything and everything that is possible, and justify that those not done are impossible anyway.
However, the global trend in recent time shows the dismantling of well-entrenched leaderships or dynasties, dictatorships if you may, as well as the rejection of the candidates of sitting administrations, no matter how relatively well they may have performed.
For the fall from grace of decades-long leaders either through popular revolts or violent takeovers, this shows that the public have had enough, and they moved to remove, and they succeeded.
For the defeat of the bets of current officials, their anointed beaten by the opposition, whether by a hairline or by a landslide, this shows the dissatisfaction of the majority towards the establishment, clamoring for change or at least substantial improvement, and using the ballot to communicate the message to those who refuse to listen to their voices.
In both instances, it is clear and convincing that the people are beyond frustrated without action. They will complain, yes, but they will act on it, even if just through going out to vote, and to vote against the government.
There are shining examples of incomprehensible public action or response, too. Or maybe the analysts just refuse to comprehend. Or perhaps the experts and pundits need to review and assess their theories and predictions, so they may understand.
Anyway, the seemingly popular coalition government of Britain thought it had the support of its citizens for its continued membership in the European Union. They passed on the decision to the people even if it was not entirely necessary. Now Britain is more popularly known as Brexit, even if only jokingly.
Likewise, the seemingly popular leadership in Colombia thought it had the support of its citizens for finally entering into a landmark, Nobel Peace Prize material, deal with the Farc rebels. They also forwarded the approval of the pact to its people. Now the agreement is in shambles and they have to find another way out of these shambles.
Truly, the people, globally and not just in our country where we elected the ultimate antithesis, and in America where almost the same thing happened, are moving towards uncharted territory.
All traditions and conventions, and even histories, now have glaring question marks. Nothing is cast in stone anymore. Statues are melting one after the other.
Now, although most of those in power are limited by terms, they are faced with the challenge of leaving a legacy of victory in their choice of replacement.
Certainly, the election for their successor may not entirely be a referendum on their performance.
Definitely, the new candidates will have differences in records, platforms, personalities and circumstances, among many others.
But, still, we cannot just take away the fact that the result of the next election after the tenure of the incumbent will be analyzed, in not so small terms, on the basis of their performance, especially because they will surely support a replacement or successor, and undeniably or unavoidably use government resources in doing so.
Therefore, the emerging challenge for incumbent administrations is how to ensure the continuity of their plans, programs and policies, by ensuring that the voters somehow express their approval, by betting for their bets. This is one, if not the only, way to undoubtedly claim a legacy of a job well done.
This is not an easy task, to say the least. It needs mind, heart, and soul, as well as sincerity, creativity, and a whole lot of indescribable efforts. The incumbent administrations must find a way to define the undefined, and must know these fantastic beasts and where to find them.
Comments are most welcome. Please send them to taipan.millan@mmlaw.com.ph.