What is a Stalking Horse in Politics?
In the complex world of politics, various strategies and tactics are employed by political parties and candidates to achieve their goals. One such strategy is the use of a “stalking horse” in politics. A stalking horse, in political terms, refers to a candidate who is nominated for an election or a political position, but is not expected to win. The primary purpose of a stalking horse is to serve as a placeholder or a decoy to attract votes and attention, while the real candidate remains in the background.
The concept of a stalking horse can be traced back to the medieval times when knights would send a horse to challenge another knight in a tournament. The horse would be adorned with the knight’s armor and symbols, but the actual knight would stay hidden. Similarly, in modern politics, a stalking horse is used to create the illusion of competition, while the real candidate maintains a low profile.
Why Use a Stalking Horse?
There are several reasons why political parties and candidates might choose to use a stalking horse in their campaigns:
1. To Create a Rival: By nominating a stalking horse, a political party can create the appearance of a competitive race, which may attract more attention from the media and voters.
2. To Test the Waters: A stalking horse can be used to gauge public opinion and test the viability of a candidate’s campaign without directly committing to their candidacy.
3. To Protect the Real Candidate: By using a stalking horse, a party can shield the real candidate from public scrutiny and potential negative publicity until the right time.
4. To Maintain Party Unity: In some cases, a stalking horse can be used to ensure that the party’s base is satisfied with the candidate, thus maintaining party unity and support.
Examples of Stalking Horses in Politics
There have been several notable instances of stalking horses in politics:
1. In the 2015 UK general election, the Liberal Democrats nominated Alistair Carmichael as their candidate for Orkney and Shetland. However, the party’s real target was to win enough seats to have a say in the formation of a coalition government. Carmichael’s candidacy was seen as a stalking horse to attract votes.
2. During the 2016 US presidential election, the Libertarian Party nominated Gary Johnson as their candidate. Johnson was a former governor of New Mexico and was seen as a stalking horse to draw attention away from the real candidates and to promote the Libertarian Party’s agenda.
3. In the 2019 Indian general election, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) nominated a former actress, Sushmita Sen, as their candidate for the East Delhi constituency. Sen’s candidacy was widely regarded as a stalking horse, with the real target being the incumbent BJP candidate.
Conclusion
The use of a stalking horse in politics is a strategic move that can serve various purposes for political parties and candidates. While it may seem deceptive, the practice has been a part of the political landscape for centuries. Understanding the concept of a stalking horse can provide insight into the intricate world of politics and the tactics employed by those seeking power.
