Election Day: How to ensure it is a peaceful process? |19 October 2020

In every democracy, election is an important part of a political system. It permits the people to choose freely their political leaders. It also ensures that there is a clear, smooth and peaceful transition of power. Nevertheless, during election time there are underlying tensions and rivalries that may cause strife.

What do we mean when we talk about election violence?

“Electoral conflict and violence can be defined as any random or organised act or threat to intimidate, physically harm, blackmail or abuse a political stakeholder in seeking to determine, delay, or to otherwise influence an electoral process” –Jeff Fisher 2002.

Election violence may not on the surface appear as a gender-based violence issue however, it is important to recognise that Seychellois women make up the majority of registered voters, 50.07%, and as statistics have proven women are more at risk of any form of violence.

Electoral violence has often manifested into physical form, through violent protests before, during and even after the election. However, with the increase in access to social media, psychological or emotional violence is becoming more common.

There are however, practical steps one can take to avoid all forms of altercations or provocations during these periods. This article will shed light on three arrangements that voters could adhere to for a peaceful election process.

1. Early voting

A citizen aged 18 years old or above is eligible to vote given he/she has met the electoral requirement of registering. Early voting is recommended to avoid the long queues and crowded polling stations. It is apparent that early voting ensures that there is no delay in counting of votes and that brings in the point of transparency and credibility of the elections procedures. It is good to bear in mind that this election is happening during a pandemic and the more we can avoid long lines and crowds the better.

2. Follow electoral guidelines

For a free and fair election to take place, it is important that voters comply with all laws and regulations governing the electoral process to ensure peace and orderliness. Hence, it is the responsibility of the electorate to conduct themselves in an orderly manner before, during and after the election. Voters are supposed to wait for their turn in the queue, obey the directives of the electoral officials, and cast their vote peacefully.

Importantly, voters have the right to mark their ballot papers in secret. After casting their votes, the electorate should leave the polling zone to avoid unnecessary clustering which may cause disorder. Finally yet importantly, complaints to be directed to the right personnel, using the machinery put in place rather than resorting to disputes.

3. Tolerate other people’s opinions

Politics can often be polarised and as households disclose their political affiliation, it provides an open door for peers and family members to become very argumentative, critical and intolerant of one another’s political ideologies. Freedom of speech seems for some as the golden ticket for shaming and disqualifying others’ beliefs; and often times if not verbal, but through memos and videos posted on social media platforms.

Respect for others’ political opinions is key to maintaining civility in the family and community. It may be advisable to refrain from spending so much time on social media where cyberbullying is quite prominent.

In the end, it all narrows down to respect. Respect other’s opinion, respect the freedom and ability to make a decision, and respect each other’s political stance.

Striving for a violence-free election!

Contributed by the Ministry of Family Affairs