Not only are the questions considered automatically rebutted by the ‘popular vote’ but they are increasingly deemed to be tangential to the mainstream political discourse.

Thirdly, to shower praises upon the victorious in an election is indicative of a juvenile political culture that fails to distinguish between popularity and worthiness. There is nothing inherently praiseworthy about winning elections; it is how a candidate mobilises voters and what she does when in government that is praiseworthy (or not).

To celebrate all victors without reference to the context of the victory condones the damaging and unethical tactics politicians often employ during elections. Voter behaviour is influenced by a complex range of factors, and is vulnerable to media manipulation. Commitment to democratic principles requires recognising the verdict as a legitimate basis for selecting the party that will form the government. It does not mean an automatic faith in the wisdom of the voter’s choices. To celebrate and praise the victors is to reason backwards in presuming the goodness of those the voters have chosen.