Types of Political Supporters by Andrew Oforma Eze
Kind of Political Supporters …I remind Princes who have recently seized a state for themselves through support given from within that they should carefully reflect on the motives of those who helped them. If these were not based on a natural affection for the new Prince, but rather on discontent with the existing government, he will retain their friendship only with considerable difficulty and exertion, because it will be impossible for him in his return to satisfy them.…a Prince far more easily wins the friendship of those who were formerly satisfied with the existing government … than of those who, because they were dissatisfied, became his friends and favoured his occupation” (Machiavelli, trans. 69-70). A wise leader should be able to define the motive of his supporters. A leader whether good or bad never lacks followers and supporters insofar he is in charge. He may relatively lack followers but not supporters (beneficiaries). The masses constitute followers