Some context: The business of elections, and not just the politics that shapes it, has attracted attention for some years now. There are instances where governments have formed, toppled, and re-formed based on shifting allegiances of elected representatives due to coercion or inducement. Large sums of money are rumoured to change hands and elected reps are whisked away and held in undisclosed locations to prevent poaching by rival parties while intense horse-trading reportedly occurs. The voter is out of the equation and rendered a hapless bystander.

Holiday resorts where representatives are held and pampered till a deal is struck are making the news. (A tongue-in-cheek piece on resorts getting this business is here.)

Meanwhile...

A song (inspired by John Denver)

All my bags are packed, I am ready to go
Horses waiting outside the door
News is breaking - I could be gone
For a week or more, where parties want 
When I come back, I’ll tell you
Who's my ki-nnnnn-g…

So trust me, and pray for me
Tell me you'll wait for me
Or pay me like you'll never let me go-ooo

Because I am hoping for a net gain
When it is time to be back again

Oh great, Way to go-ooooo

So many times, I've let you down
One more time, doesn’t matter now
When I come back
I'll be settling in-nnnn

So call me and bid for me
Tell me that you will indulge me
Show me what’s in store-for me
And hold me like you'll never let me go

Because I am leaving for a horse trade
Don’t know when I’ll be back again

Oh great, Way to go-ooooo

Image: Flickr