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.”