Elections are known to be a very important period in democratic countries because citizens have the opportunity to choose their preferred leaders to take over government for a specific period of time, resulting in different people’s opinions and insights, which can lead to personal confrontations due to disagreements between different supporters.
It is critical to emphasize that security is a critical aspect of elections, particularly personal security; violence can occur before or after elections, as we have seen in previous elections. Innocent people have lost their lives and property as a result of election-related violence, but how can we keep ourselves safe during election season? Here are some important tips to help you stay safe this election season.
Political debates should not be held in public.
If you belong to or support a particular party or candidate, and you happen to see two groups of different supporters engaging in a political debate, don’t join the motion; instead, keep a safe distance, especially if the motion appears to be tense.
Gather information from your surroundings.
It is critical to be aware of the air quality in your neighborhood. The government has identified areas that are prone to violence. It can be even worse if you support a different party than the majority of the residents, and even if you are on the same side as them, it does not guarantee your safety.
Stop publicly criticizing politicians.
We don’t all like the same politicians, but it’s important to avoid speaking ill of them, especially in these gatherings, because their supporters can harm you or create grudges that will affect you and loved ones in the future.
Late-night rallies should be avoided.
Before dusk, make sure you have completed all of your outside errands; most atrocities occur at night, and if your political enemies come across you at night, they may take advantage of you.
Keep up with current events.
Be aware of what is going on in the news and on social media; the media brings up important issues that can save you a lot of money.
Your vote is private.
Don’t always go around telling everyone who you’re voting for, especially strangers; not everyone supports your candidate.
Go home after voting.
It is better to avoid loitering or hanging out with other supporters after voting, as this can be detrimental, especially if your opponents think ill of you. Instead, vote, go home, and wait for the official results to be announced.
Avoid crowds that are undefined.
Stay away from strangers or people you’ve never met before, especially those who are obsessed with analyzing political issues.
Spend time with friends or family.
If you like to hang out, do so with close friends and family in less violent areas. It is also important to limit family outings during this time, especially in unfamiliar areas.
Stock up on groceries.
Most acts of violence occur on the streets, so it is wise to stock up on food for a few days in case violence erupts in your area. Staying away from the streets is also advantageous because it allows you to avoid dangerous groups or arrests by security agencies.
Don’t let yourself be used for violence.
Some politicians may pay you to wreak havoc on a specific party or politicians; this is a critical issue, and you should avoid being used by them; if something goes wrong, it will be you who suffer, not the politician.
Notify security agencies of anything unusual.
Report anything unusual to the police or security agencies as soon as possible; don’t wait for the situation to escalate or decide to take the law into your own hands; instead, be vigilant. It is better to have at least two contacts from security personnel in case of an emergency, or to look for police hotline numbers and add them to your contact list.
Report anything unusual to the police or security agencies as soon as possible; don’t wait for the situation to escalate or decide to take the law into your own hands; instead, be vigilant. It is better to have at least two contacts from security personnel in case of an emergency, or to look for police hotline numbers and add them to your contact list.
Remember that your safety and the safety of your loved ones is very important; always put yourself first when security concerns arise; the success of the election is dependent on all of us; be safe.
