As Osun State prepares to elect a governor for the next four years on Saturday, August 15, voters, political parties and other stakeholders are expected to maintain peace and avoid actions that could disrupt the electoral process or lead to legal consequences.
Here are five key things to avoid on election day:
1. Don’t snatch or destroy ballot boxes
Taking away, destroying or tampering with ballot boxes and other electoral materials can disrupt the voting process and amounts to an electoral offence.
Voters should allow electoral officials to perform their duties without interference.
2. Don’t buy or sell votes
Offering money, gifts or other incentives in exchange for a person’s vote is an electoral offence.
Voters should reject attempts to influence their votes through inducements and report suspected cases of vote buying through the appropriate channels.
3. Don’t engage in violence or intimidation
Voters, party agents and supporters should avoid fighting, threats, intimidation and other actions capable of causing disorder at polling units.
Everyone is expected to respect the rights of other voters and allow them to cast their ballots freely.
4. Don’t interfere with the voting process
Voters must not obstruct electoral officials, tamper with election materials or disrupt the accreditation and voting process.
Everyone at the polling unit is expected to follow the guidelines established by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
5. Don’t campaign or canvass at polling units
Polling units are meant for voting, not last-minute campaigns or attempts to influence voters.
Voters should be allowed to make their choices independently and without pressure, intimidation or undue influence.
As Osun heads to the polls, a peaceful election depends on the conduct of everyone involved. Voters are encouraged to exercise their franchise responsibly, respect the electoral process and report suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.