Ten ways to lose a byelection without even trying

Assume, as you have always assumed, that voters who have tribally supported you in the past will automatically do so again now.
On that assumption shamefully neglect the infrastructure and social needs of the electorate for years.
Choose an uncharismatic, overweight candidate who no one has ever heard of on the basis that he or she can expect no real opposition from anyone else.
Be totally unprepared for any real challenger to that candidate to emerge.
Be totally unprepared for strategic voting by other parties.
In the event of a high-profile, hugely charismatic, popular, extremely well-dressed and well-groomed opponent appearing from nowhere, panic.
Insult the voters in the electorate by assuming that their votes can be bought with a humongous and patently transparent bribe, essentially consisting of all the infrastructure and social items you neglected to provide in the past.
Insult the voters in the electorate further by assuming that all that is required to change their minds is the opportunity to catch sight of the Prime Minister in their electorate, presumably with the prospect of being able to kiss the hem of his garment. And possibly that of a couple of overweight cabinet ministers as well.
Undermine the confidence of your remaining supporters by conceding publicly that you could well lose the seat.
Repeat 1 to 9.

Media trainer and commentator Dr Brian Edwards posts at Brian Edwards Media.