Election 2013-Accessorizing the Campaign

Amna Rizwan, A2C1

Fluorescent colors, personalized and symbolic promoters everywhere. Everything, from top to bottom, for the allocated time span. Every nook and cranny of the red-bricked home is accessorized. The air filled with the beat of drums, the procession of human trains and the sight of bhangra. Amateur and experienced photographers, in and around the crowd, their cameras clicking non-stop. A buzz of activity; ladies and gentlemen, you are a witness to the election campaign at PAF Chapter.

From the nominee selection to verbal convincing even before the AS arrived, campaigning was in the air. The interviews and final contestant announcements opened up the floor for the contest. Then came the candidate speeches; energetic, inspiring and most importantly convincing. The competition was tough, and as our HM says, “Each and every candidate is already a winner.”

Towards the final campaigning day, preparation in the red-bricked walls was evident. Boosting the spirit of elections. The variety of colors and symbols ranged from black cannons to silver phoenixes, to beige swords to royal blue superman, gold bolts to minion yellows and red Vs to white doves. Facebook campaigns had status updates from PAFians and non PAFians. DPs and cover photos went viral. Even the alumni had their say, campaigning for their friends. The underprivileged of the society were not forgotten. A stall was set up where bands were sold for charity purposes.  Handmade posters and stickers were seen. Professional posters and panaflexes were equally popular. Catchy slogans ‘Chapter Ki Jaan’ and symbolic logos ‘dove’ and ‘superman’ made their impact.  Not just the red bricked walls, but the staircases and even the roof held the charts. The canteen, windows of the common room, corridors and classroom doors weren't spared either.

Credits: Khurram Kamran

Innovative ideas accessorizing the election campaign were witnessed. Some of them actually won hearts over. The Mera-Sultan-inspired head bands were an instant favorite. Some really cute Minion arm bands were circulated. The demand was so high that most fell short in supply. Stickers and bracelets embellished. A real favorite among girls were the bolt-shaped earrings and hairpins. Even boys appreciated that idea! The beige sashes promoting the Sword of Chapter were very consistent; from speeches to the actual campaign, their presence was consistent. The sunglasses couture has uniqueness of its own. Browsing through election albums, the yellow capes and blue t-shirts are easily the most noticeable accessory. Distinguishing supporters of one candidate from another, the black, red and white, and superman t-shirts made their marks. Face and hand painting had its share. In the beat of dhol, the action of bhangra and the flash of camera was the symbolic danda and its honorable owner. The danda symbolizes and maintains control, in its habitat of best fit, the left hand of the HM A level section, Mrs Shireen Karamally.

The 90-minute campaign made its mark. It fulfilled its purpose. It enabled the final choice. In the limited time, the excitement is dense, fun is jam-packed thus it’s a plan appreciated.

The excitement, the moment pride must have a humble end. All’s well that comes out clean. Under our HM, the candidates and their supporters cleaned up. They cleaned up the graffiti showered, the banners, posters and the stickers. With stakes raised high, they jharoo-ed the ground, packed it up and wrapped up the election campaign at PAF Chapter. No one wanted to be disqualified from the elections, at the cost of Ms Shireen’s displeasure.