The Alarming Rise of Election Intimidation
The recent general election has been marred by significant intimidation and abuse, leading to a noticeable decrease in campaign participation. Vijay Rangarajan, head of the Electoral Commission, highlighted these issues during an interview with BBC Radio 4’s Today programme. He described various alarming activities such as slashing tires and targeting candidates’ families as “totally unacceptable.” To address these concerns, the Electoral Commission is conducting a comprehensive survey of candidates and electoral administrators, with findings expected to be released in the autumn.
The Surge in Candidate Intimidation
The July 4 election brought the issue of candidate intimidation into sharp focus. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper announced her intention to chair a meeting of the government’s defending democracy taskforce, responding to the “alarming rise” in abuse. Similarly, House of Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle expressed his deep concern, stating he had “never seen anything as bad” in terms of intimidation against MPs, which has significantly impacted their sense of security.
Impact on Campaign Participation
Rangarajan noted that the increased attacks had a discouraging effect on campaign activities. He pointed out the “tremendous amount of online abuse,” including highly disturbing, manipulated misogynist videos, which had a chilling effect on democratic debate and voter engagement. Such intimidation particularly deters women and ethnic minorities from standing as candidates, thereby limiting voter choice and undermining democratic diversity.
Defining Acceptable Political Criticism
Rangarajan emphasized the need for a clear distinction between valid political criticism and unacceptable behavior. He reiterated that incidents like slashing tires, throwing milkshakes, and targeting candidates’ families were unequivocally unacceptable. These acts of intimidation pose a severe threat to the democratic process by discouraging participation and free expression.
Democracy at Risk: Insights from Brendan Cox
Brendan Cox, the widower of murdered MP Jo Cox, also weighed in on the issue, warning of the “real risk” that high levels of intimidation could gradually erode democracy. He stated, “Democracy doesn’t die in a flash – it’s not always a coup d’état, it can die by a thousand cuts.” Cox highlighted the increased sense of threat felt by many MPs, who now feel hunted and unable to campaign freely.
A Broader Cultural Shift
Cox stressed that this issue transcends specific communities or causes. Whether related to the Scottish referendum or the Brexit vote, there is a growing caustic element in democratic culture. This shift has led to a broader acceptance of intimidation against MPs across various political spectrums.
Extremist Campaigns and Political Violence
Lord Walney, the government’s adviser on political violence, suggested the possibility of a “concerted campaign by extremists” aimed at creating a hostile environment for MPs to force political concessions. A former Labour MP, Lord Walney urged the government to investigate potential coordinated efforts among extremist groups and document the underlying abuse patterns. He pointed to a disturbing pattern of aggressive pro-Palestine activism contributing to this hostile atmosphere.
Responses from the Political Community
In response to Lord Walney’s interview with the Guardian, Labour MP Diane Abbott criticized his remarks, labeling them as a “crude effort to demonize all those who support Palestinian rights.” This exchange underscores the contentious and polarized nature of the current political climate, where accusations and defenses further complicate the discourse on election-related intimidation.
The Path Forward: Safeguarding Democracy
Addressing the surge in intimidation and abuse during elections is crucial for preserving democratic integrity. The upcoming report from the Electoral Commission will provide valuable insights into the extent of these issues and inform strategies to combat them. Meanwhile, fostering a political culture that differentiates between legitimate criticism and harmful behavior is essential for encouraging diverse participation and ensuring a healthy democratic process. As stakeholders from all sides of the political spectrum engage in this dialogue, the collective effort to defend democracy becomes more vital than ever.