RURAL voters of West Kwara’ae have been called upon to be careful, not to be deceived, persuaded or forced to vote a particular candidate(s) in the upcoming national general elections.
Community elder, Samuel Boroau highlighted this when speaking to this paper of political propaganda or games that are usually played by intending candidates during the election periods.
Mr Boroau said that during the final weeks and days leading up to elections, people often get tricked, deceived, persuaded and forced into voting a candidate that even if he or she doesn’t suit the voter, as long as it suits the voter’s elders and leaders then that is where their ballot papers go.
He also added that on most cases, candidates and their supporters will use propaganda (information, especially of a biased or misleading nature, used to promote a political cause or point of view) to lure in votes at the 11th hour.
Mr Boroau then highlighted some of the propaganda, including tarnishing the image of other prominent candidates, using individuals and their testimonies and also using spiritual groups and ideas to promote themselves and their cause, use of glittering and very complicated words and terms, use of misleading facts on certain issues and also making promises as a means of luring voters.
“These are simply some of the techniques that most candidates use especially when campaigning and also during election time.
“I therefore call on my good people of West Kwara’ae and also the entire nation to analyze these candidates and study them well before casting your ballot papers.
“No man should be forced into voting someone he is not sure about,” Mr Boroau said.
By JEREMY INIFIRI
In Auki, Malaita Province