It is, according to Territory Labor candidate Sandra Nelson, who is at her wit’s end after being the target of what she described as “politically-motivated” vandalism over the past four months.

Ms Nelson, who will battle at least four Katherinites – including incumbent Country Liberal Party MLA Willem Westra van Holthe – for the seat at August’s Northern Territory election, has had countless signs and flyers damaged since she announced her candidacy.

Several candidates have signs up ahead of next month’s federal election but Ms Nelson is the only candidate aiming for a spot on the fifth floor to have erected them across town.

Despite not having definitive proof, the method by which some of the material had been destroyed pointed towards the sole intent of damaging her political aspiration, Ms Nelson told the Katherine Times.

“I do believe it is politically motivated for the simple reason that I see no other candidates’ flyers ripped and posted on notice boards,” she said angrily.

“I don't see other candidates’ signs defaced.”

Ms Nelson added that the fact the vandals had set their sights on her home – which is being used as her campaign office – supported her suspicion.

“Seven weeks ago, I started finding one or all three of my campaign signs off the fence with the ties cut, and the signs placed on my driveway, or thrown over the fence and into the middle of my yard,” she explained.

“Sometimes, there would be dog faeces on top of the signs. Sometimes, the signs would be vandalised.

“When I could, I would just wash off the signs and put them back up again.”

In one of the most blatant examples of vandalism, a penis was crudely scrawled on one of the signs.

“I have three signs that I cannot use again because they have had graffiti drawn on them, and the torn campaign flyers, I don't know how many of those have been ripped,” she said.

”I noticed the torn flyers four months ago. Someone has been ripping them and pinning them on noticeboards in town.”

Ms Nelson is not pointing the finger directly at any of her opponents, but she said it was extremely disappointing that whoever was responsible for the destruction was seemingly unwilling to tolerate varying political perspectives.

“It is disappointing that a small minority would poorly treat someone who has shown the courage to publicly stand up and say, ‘I care about my community enough to run for election,’" she said.

“Some people like to quote that politics is a dirty game.

“Well, no, it's not – it's the people involved that play it dirty.”

Ms Nelson said the interference with her signs had been happening “sporadically” but “no less than twice a week”, and that the malicious actions of those responsible had not lessened her desire to represent Katherinites in the 13th Legislative Assembly.

Taking aim at the vandals and anonymous critics on social media, Ms Nelson said she believed no candidate, irrespective of their political persuasion, deserved to be the target of bullying.

“I understand and accept that not everyone is a supporter, or even sympathetic,” she said.

“I also understand that as a political candidate, part of the job is opening myself to the public.

“I have no issue with that, however, I do take issue with a small minority that feels that intimidation and bullying is the best way for them to get their message across.

“I have tolerated this behavior with good humour, with grace and a lot of patience.

“It's not about whether I have the fortitude to keep going, as I have overcome far greater adversities in life – this is about saying bullying and intimidation is unacceptable.”