Anambra: Election Monitor warns against vote-rigging
The
Election Monitor (EM) beseech the Independent National Electoral
Commission (INEC) and security agencies to prevent vote-buying to ensure
the success of the Anambra governorship election.
The
National Coordinator of the EM Abiodun Ajijola said Friday in a
statement that that it is important that political parties and their
agents are advised to desist from engaging in vote-rigging.
The
organization which is one of the 44 election observation groups
accredited by the INEC to observe the election, said it would deploy 32
observers across the 21 local government of the state for its mission.
“As
vote-rigging has become one of the most dreadful threats to free, fair
and credible elections in Nigeria, Election Monitor is calling on INEC
and the security agencies to ensure that exchange of money for votes is
not permitted within the polling units or immediate vicinity as much as
is practicable.
“Political
parties and their agents are advised to desist from engaging in
vote-buying. Political parties are also encouraged to respect the rights
of citizens and adhere to the rule of law in their activities.
Politicians should endeavour to inform their supporters to eschew
violence in all its ramifications,” Ajijola said.
He
urged all eligible voters with permanent voter cards (PVCs) to come out
without fear and exercise their civic duty for the election.
While
saying that INEC from all indications and observations is prepared for
the election, Ajijola urged the commission to carry out its activities
effectively and ensure it remains neutral in all circumstances and also
ensure that it effectively monitors the strict compliance to its
guidelines on usage of smart card readers.
“It
is also important for INEC and security agencies to reassure voters
that the election will hold and will be safe for voters to exercise
their franchise in the remaining hours before the election.”
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