CHALLENGE
After losing the previous election to the opposition party, leaders within the United Democratic Party of the Cayman Islands knew they needed professional help in the 2009 elections. The party hired Influence Factory to develop a plan for victory, taking into account limited resources (we fell short of our $400K fundraising goal) and formidable competition (People’s Progressive Movement reportedly relied on five strategists). In addition to competing against the party in power, PPM, we had to contend with voters’ independent streak and 22 Independent candidates on the ballot.
SOLUTION
Influence Factory hit the ground in February, leading strategy and creating ad concepts, researching manifesto policies and drafting campaign speeches, managing debate prep and training volunteers. We knew our success would depend on a clear contrast between UDP’s compassionate competence and PPM’s neglect and overspending. Influence Factory emphasized the professional experience and community service of our new candidates to render personal attacks ineffectual. We built coalitions with Jamaican and Hispanic residents to attract independent voters. To overcome the financial deficit, we spent wisely, raising the public profiles of challengers through earned media and issues-oriented speeches. The campaign also realized significant savings by soliciting in-kind donations.
RESULTS
On May 20, 2009, the UDP won the general election – and with it – control of the Cayman Islands Government. Our campaign re-elected five incumbents and sent four challengers to the legislature from the largest voter turnout in Cayman’s election history. While winning a considerable number of votes, independent candidates found it nearly impossible to win seats. Of the 22 that sought office, the only successful independent was Northsider (and UDP sympathizer) Ezzard Miller, who bested his PPM opponent by 17%.
UDP Sends 9 Members to Legislature
http://www.caycompass.com/cgi-bin/CFPnews.cgi?ID=10382494 |
