POLITICAL SCIENTIST WARNS RECENT POLITICAL VIOLENCE COULD REDUCE VOTER TURNOUT
By Josphat Mbewe
Political Scientist Dr. Neo Simutanyi has warned that recent incidents of political violence could intimidate voters and potentially reduce turnout in the August 13 general election.
Dr. Simutanyi says the violence appears intended to create fear among voters and prevent political opponents from accessing certain areas and campaigning freely ahead of polling day.
Speaking in an interview with Phoenix News, Dr. Simutanyi says the public should pay close attention to where the violent incidents are occurring, alleging that many of them are taking place in areas perceived to be strongholds of the ruling UPND.
He claims that intimidating voters and disrupting campaign activities could discourage some citizens from participating in the electoral process, potentially resulting in low voter turnout.
Dr. Simutanyi further alleges that any reduction in voter participation through intimidation could benefit the ruling party, describing such actions as a threat to democratic principles.
He has since urged eligible voters not to be intimidated by acts of violence, but to turn out in large numbers on election day, emphasizing that citizens have the power to choose their leaders through the ballot.
PHOENIX NEWS