| This is a crucial factor in today’s political situation.
If people don’t feel safe they either won’t show up to vote or they will
be too intimidated to vote for whom they really want. The steps outlined
above are again the critical ones with the necessary modifications : |
| Teamwork : |
Everyone must work together to fight intimidation. To this
end feelings of voter responsibility must be actively fostered and the
people of influence identified. These people must be persuaded to throw
their ‘weight’ behind and encourage people to vote. They must know that
the ballot is secret. |
| Strategy : |
Plans must be laid for preventative measures such as polling
booth observers and community escorts. In trouble areas voters should
be gathered together and escorted safely to and from the voting station.
Routes must be drawn up that cover the whole community so that voters
feel safe before during and after. Police must be kept informed and involved
as much as possible. They can offer the advice and expertise you need.
|
| Reaction : |
Once a disturbance or trouble breaks out a plan must be
in force to deal with it. The reaction to the intimidation and or provocation
will often determine whether the outcome will be favourable or not. Who
will react and how must be clearly defined. Always phone the police first.
|
| Self Discipline : |
Competition is at fever pitch and tempers are running high.
Observers and escorts must be well disciplined and preferably well drilled
with practice starting weeks before so that they can be prepared and act
appropriately. |
| Awareness : |
The fact that the ballot is secret, and that no one can
find out who voted for who must be stressed. The importance of voting
must be highlighted and the safety measures emphasised. |
| Visible : |
Security should be highly visible to deter intimidators.
Always give the impression that you are WELL PREPARED and will react swiftly
and effectively in a coordinated way. |
