Election periods are usually associated with violence, political assassinations, arson, etc. All over the world, the election period is known to be a really important time. This is because of several activities that go on during these times.
Activities such as campaign tours to different States, Local Councils, and Regions in the countries, as well as radio, and television advertisements, display of billboards, and fliers just to mention a few. All these are very common in advanced democracies.
While all these activities are going on, it is important to state that security forms an integral aspect of it all. This is because, if adequate security measure is not put in place, then, to a very large extent, things may be marred. Security matters are serious issues these days. When security measures are lacking, lives and properties may be at stake and lost in the process.
Security precautions must not be taken seriously by the government of the state alone. As a matter of fact, the onus also lies on the entire citizenry. At this point, I would want us to look at the following tips that must be followed during elections.
1. Avoid arguing about politics in public.
If you belong to a particular political party or have a favorite for any political party and there is an argument about another political party, then you mustn’t join them. This is very important so that you do not dabble into the argument that will brew or may warrant a fight to ensue.
2. Always get back home on time.
The election period in the various states of the country may be a time of violence; therefore it is appropriate that you do not stay out late. Do what you want to do very quickly and vigilantly and find your way home early. Start the video.
3. Do not criticize any politician.
Do not attempt to criticize any politician of the opposition party in your country, state, or local council openly. If you do, your life might be in danger as you might be stepping on the toes of people who may seem to be harmful.
4. Do not support or wear political campaign uniforms in public.
If you love any political party, it is better that you do not wear political party uniforms. You do not attract the attention of opposition party members because they may be irritated and very annoyed. Importantly, these party members may be ready to injure their noticeable opponents.
5. Do not keep up late at night.
It is essential to wrap up all you have to do in time so that you will not keep up late at night during election periods. Several organizations even arrange for this so that their workers do not prowl at late night.
6. Always listen to the news.
At this time, make sure to be security conscious during the election and to always stay abreast with issues. It is always good to comfortably do this by listening to the news always. A series of news may help you adjust.
7. Do not disclose whom you will vote for at the polls.
Do you know that people have different candidates they love or pledge allegiance to in the election period? Some of them go as far as picking up a fight with those who are not in the same camp as them. Therefore, it would do you well not to disclose whom you vote for.
8. Once you are done with casting your vote, go straight to your home.
Whenever you are done with your vote, it is essential to leave for your home. This is the only way you can stay secure during elections. Return home after casting your vote. Do not stay back or loiter with other supporters after casting your vote.
9. Do not move about with huge cash.
If you have plans to move around with a huge amount of cash during the election, then you must rethink, as this is no time to do such. Miscreants take advantage to retaliate and rob people of their valuables.
10. When you are driving, ensure that your car’s central lock is activated.
You should be vigilant so that you do not drive without making sure that your car’s central lock is activated. This is to ensure that you are safe inside your car, rather than unsafe.
11. Stay distant from undefined crowds or groups of people.
Make sure you do not associate yourself with the undefined crowd or group of people who take delight in analyzing political issues and candidates in public. Continue the video.
12. Do not hang out with friends where it is not safe.
Always ensure that you hang out with friends in a secure place if at all. You must be sure that you do this in a very secure area. Do not stay in a non-violent area or an area being prone to violence.
13. Do not move about with expensive gadgets (Mobile Devices).
You will be on the safer side if you do not move around with expensive gadgets. This should be taken care of so that you do not run into a counsel who may want to rob you of it.
14. Minimize your family outing during the election period.
You must minimize your family outings during the election. This is because of pockets of trouble that may ensure and which can make your family vulnerable to any attack.
15. Stock up your home with food.
During the election periods, people will be forced to stay at home. Therefore, it is vital to store up the house with all the foodstuff and ingredients that are needed to avoid incessant outings to the market and malls. Continue the video.
16. Have your doctor’s number handy.
If you do not have GP details handy, then you may want to know that you need to do this. This is so because you can call whenever you need medical advice during elections.
17. Cast your vote once.
The area where you may put yourself in trouble during the election is when you decide to vote twice. Vote for your candidate just once to avoid unnecessary security palaver.
18. Do not talk carelessly at the polls.
To be safe, it is forbidden that you do not talk carelessly at the polling unit about any candidate or the election process. Doing this may attract grave consequences.
19. Celebrate civilly.
If after the election your candidate wins, then you must celebrate civilly. You should remember that some people who are in support of the opposition party may be mad and they will begin to retaliate angrily. Continue the video.
20. Do not partake in election violence.
Do not surrender or submit yourself to be used by politicians to perpetrate election violence. This is because some opposition guys might as well be lurking in the dark to harm those who do this.
21. Do not argue on social media.
Mind what you say on social media because the situation is tense and the bad guys can always trace and maim their predators. Complete the video.
Conclusion
It is necessary that you take these election security tips with all seriousness and adhere strictly to them. This will enable you to stay out of trouble. Once again, I, therefore say, that practicing all these tips would only mean that you are relevant to society.
The lecture was presented by Capt. Dennis Baba (rtd) at Emmanuel Association Youth meeting Held at Halleluyah Baptist Church Agbaje-Ijokodo Ibadan.
