When parties are in the opposition, the biggest problem is that government parties simply ignore the opposition. The opposition parties’ ideas and proposals do not stand a chance, no matter how good they are. The slightest positive response to any opposition proposals would undermine the ruling party/coalition’s authority, and that alone is reason enough for ignoring the opposition’s suggestions. In fact, they will go out of their way to stress the weakest points in opposition proposals and use them against them. The only time that the opposition has a chance of influencing policy decisions is when the government is nearing the end of its term and elections are approaching.
If an opposition parties opponents suspect they might need that party after the elec- tions, they may start to take the opposition party’s plans more seriously. If, in other words, they are contemplating the formation of a new coalition for the next term. This makes being in the opposition a very frustrating experience. Still, it is something that political parties will have to get used to, because in a functioning democ- racy it is normal for a party to be out of government from time to time.
Opposition parties should consider the following:
• Focus on the future: Use the time in the opposition to prepare for a future time in government. Being in the opposition is not a goal in itself. All actions as opposi- tion party should be aimed at getting back into government. Sometimes this even means supporting the government’s policy decisions, if they are in the national interest. But of course parties should not accept policies that violate their principles or go against the interests of their supporters.
• Be patient: Being in the opposition can last a long time, so opposition parties should not not be impatient for results. Opposition parties should keep faith in their cause and avoid feeling frustrated. This is especially hard immediately after having lost an election, when facing a long period in opposition. With patience and per- severance opposition parties will eventually get a new chance. When voters start longing for change, opposition parties should be well-prepared – mentally, and in terms of their election programme and organization.
• Renew and reform: a period in the opposition often provides a good opportunity to make changes in the party and have new people advance in the hierarchy. When in opposition, some new leaders can appear and for former ministers can retire from politics. Especially if the party has been in government for a long period, it will take time to get used to the new role as opposition party. A period in the opposition gives a party time to recover and refuel, and most importantly to plan the next elec- tion victory.
• Do not lose sight of the electoral majority: The only way to achieve success as an opposition party is to stay in touch with the needs of its own support base or at least of a large subgroup of the entire electorate. Opposition parties will never triumph if they stay focused on the interests of a small and very specific group of voters. If they do, this will make them seem like a small protest party representing only the interests of a small minority, whereas they should be trying to gain the support of as many voters as possible.
• Keep promises realistic and reliable: opposition parties should make sure that they offer realistic alternatives to the government’s policies. They should not start making promises they will not be able to keep. This undermines their credibility, which can prove fatal come election time.Opposition parties must show that they can offer a realistic alternative and have a chance to be successful. So an opposi- tion party has to demonstrate it offers a viable alternative, for instance by construc- tively collaborating with other opposition parties.
• Offer a clear alternative: Opposition parties should not only focus on what they oppose, but also come up with positive proposals and show what they are in favour of. Voters want to know a party’s plans and have to trust them before they will even consider voting for them. If a party’s alternative is not clear and attractive, they will prefer the stability even of a bad government to the unknown. Or they can decide not to vote at all, or vote for another opposition party. Opposition parties have to offer a positive and realistic alternative. This does not mean that opposition parties should not criticize the current government. Its shortcomings have to be pointed out. Negative messages can be very effective too, especially if they correspond to strong undercurrents in public opinion.
• Local support: Even if a party is in the opposition at the national level, they still have other ways of contributing to the country’s administration. A party could make a big difference on the regional or local levels. The local level in particular pres- ents an excellent opportunity to demonstrate the value of a party to the people and interact directly with voters by offering services, such as helping them with their individual problems (like filling in complicated forms). Parties should make sure also to keep campaigning throughout the opposition period. They cannot sustain the intensity of an election campaign for a full four years, but they can intermittently or- ganize protest marches or try to get media attention. This will keep party members and volunteers motivated and demonstrate to the voter that the party are not there for them only when there is an election.
• Find allies and build a coalition: There are many organizations and people in society that political parties can form an alliance with. Trade unions, famous and in- fluential people, employers’ organizations, environmental organizations, consumer organizations, etc. Alliances with NGOs can help bring in more voters, but parties should be careful what they promise. If they win the elections, these organizations will keep parties to their promises. Parties should not lose sight of their election pro- gramme and should not make promises they cannot keep. In addition, parties can build a coalition with other opposition parties.
Source: Becoming a better politician: political skills manual