The base, VOTED. WE VOTED. WE ARE THE BASE.
All others who didn't vote, are NOT the base, no matter their claims.
Somehow I can't get it through my head that the base in a democracy is the same as a base in a 1 party state. I mean, the base needn't be limited to mindless automatons who vote for the party regardless.
The true base sticks with the party and votes against the party by not voting. I will not diminish the size of the base by eliminating those who stayed home out of principle and not laziness. To pro-actively refuse a vote for the party is a legitimate action for a member of the base.
The message seems loud and clear. Let's hope the leadership isn't deaf.