Campaigners Told to Respect Rivals as Election Abuse Rises

Campaigners have been warned to respect their rivals as local election abuse rises, according to a survey that suggests more than half of candidates in the May 2026 polls faced harassment or intimidation.

A total of 55% of respondents reported experiencing some form of abuse, with 21% stating they were subjected to verbal abuse and 15% being threatened.

The survey, conducted by a local charity, found that the majority of candidates (53%) reported facing harassment or intimidation from their opponents.

While the exact nature of the abuse is not specified in the survey, campaigners have expressed concerns about the impact on the integrity of the election process.

A survey conducted by the local charity found that more than half of candidates in the May 2026 polls faced harassment or intimidation, with 21% reporting verbal abuse and 15% being threatened.

The majority of candidates (53%) reported facing harassment or intimidation from their opponents, while campaigners expressed concerns about the impact on the integrity of the election process.

While the exact nature of the abuse is not specified in the survey, it is clear that local election authorities are taking steps to address the issue. In response to the growing concern, some candidates have taken a more confrontational approach, with others choosing to focus on their policy proposals rather than engaging in personal attacks.

Campaigners argue that this approach is not only unproductive but also undermines the democratic process. They point to instances of abuse and intimidation as evidence of a broader problem that needs to be addressed.