The Suffrage of Elvira, Naipaul’s second novel, unfolds as a vibrant comedy of manners. The narrative kicks off with humor, capturing the frantic unease of Mr. Surujpat Harbans as he navigates his rickety truck up Elvira Hill to secure backing for his legislative council bid. While the omens that unsettle Harbans appear insignificant, their recurring nature cleverly ties the plot together, shedding light on the pitfalls of democracy.

The Comedy of Missteps

Amidst the colorful chaos of electoral politics, Harbans's encounters with two American women and a stray black dog become symbolic roadblocks. The women's unpredictable halt on their bicycles results in a minor collision, and the aimless dog meets a similar fate under Harbans's wheels. These incidents, seemingly trivial at first, later emerge as significant hurdles in his campaign, underscoring how democracy's noble ideals can unravel in practice.

Unraveling Democracy

Set against the backdrop of newly declared universal suffrage, Naipaul portrays democracy as a vehicle for new economic opportunities. Harbans focuses on winning the election without overspending, striving to make his potential political role financially viable. Meanwhile, his allies—a Muslim leader who moonlights as a tailor, and a Hindu leader with a goldsmith's craft—maneuver to preserve their resources while leveraging the electoral process for personal gain. Ideally, Harbans envisions democracy as a straightforward transaction: paying community leaders to secure votes.

Human Folly and Electoral Strategy

Harbans's opponent nearly outmaneuvers him, exploiting human irrationality. The women on bicycles, identified as Jehovah’s Witnesses, sway the Spanish voters away from Harbans with apocalyptic prophecies, claiming divine disapproval of their participation in the election. The pesky dog complicates matters further; its offspring, popping in and out of the scene, transform into both an omen and a sign. To counteract the supposed curse of the surviving puppy, Harbans's team publicly displays the deceased pups, aiming to discredit the Witnesses and rally the Spanish voters back to the polls.

A Satirical Approach

While it may not center on aristocrats, The Suffrage of Elvira mirrors a traditional comedy of manners through its dramatic, satirical lens. Dialogue dominates the narrative, offering vivid exchanges reminiscent of theatrical scenes. Naipaul targets not only individuals but universal archetypes, like the Muslim leader’s inept son, whose ill-conceived plans and catchphrases nearly sabotage Harbans’s electoral success.

The Irony of Democratic Ideals

Naipaul invites readers to initially laugh at the foolish characters in this fictitious setting, but ultimately recognize the exaggerated reality of their flaws. Democracies globally face similar challenges, where citizens view governance chiefly as a path to personal gain. Even the most dedicated voters are not immune to the influence of slogans, rumors, and scandals. Naipaul’s irony shines through in his commentary on Elvira voters: "Once they are bought, they stay bought." This raises questions about the expectations of democracy, whether in emerging nations or established former colonial powers.