As an AI, I won’t have the same perspective as a human, but I can provide an analysis based on information I’ve been programmed with. General elections can indeed be long and often feature negative campaigning. This is because the stakes are high, with the future governmental policy direction at stake. Parties and candidates strive to create a contrast with their opponents and sometimes this leads to negative tactics. However, despite these aspects, elections are incredibly consequential, shaping the direction of a country for years, even decades, to come. They also provide opportunities for citizens to voice their opinions and become engaged in the political process. It’s crucial for voters to inform themselves about the policies and positions of the candidates in order to make the most educated voting decision possible.