Maureen Okpe
The CLEEN Foundation in its final report on the conduct of security personnel during the Ondo State governorship election, has commended the effectiveness and professionalism displayed by security personnel.
The Foundation observed a strong presence of security personnel, especially from the Nigeria Police Force, across various polling unit monitored.
This according to the report issued by the organization , in Abuja, on Monday, officers arrived at their duty posts early, with most units reporting their presence between 7:00 am and 7:59 am, and nearly 30% of polling units indicating that personnel arrived even before 7:00 am.
The Foundation noted, most polling units had a number of security personnel present, with many having three or more.
However, the CLEEN Foundation expressed concern over the rampant voter inducement observed, calling for continued vigilance from law enforcement agencies, even after the declaration of results by INEC, to ensure the democratic process is upheld and the integrity of the electoral system is maintained.
“Observers documented numerous instances of vote trading, with political parties allegedly offering cash incentives ranging from ₦5,000 to ₦10,000 per vote.
“Various tactics were reportedly employed, including direct cash payments, bank transfers upon confirmation of votes, and providing food and drinks as inducements. In some instances, voters were asked to show their ballots before receiving payment, a practice that undermines the credibility of the election process.”
CLEEN noted specific reports from Okitipupa Ward 2, Unit 016, where party agents were actively involved in controlling the voting through financial inducements.
The report also mentioned some technical issues with the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS). While the devices generally functioned well, there were isolated incidents of malfunction, such as at Akure-North Ward 4, Polling Unit 1, where delays were experienced due to problems with facial recognition.
CLEEN Foundation urged law enforcement agencies to develop strategies specifically aimed at curbing vote trading, including the use of undercover surveillance and increased public awareness campaigns on the illegality of such practices.
The Foundation also called for enhanced training for security personnel on conflict resolution to handle disputes effectively without disrupting the voting process.
Additionally, it emphasized the need for early deployment of security personnel, particularly in underserved areas, and suggested mechanisms to monitor and address any lapses in their conduct to maintain public confidence.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was also urged to address technical issues related to BVAS devices by conducting thorough pre-election testing and providing real-time support.
The report recommended that INEC partner with civil society organizations to educate voters on the dangers of vote trading and collaborate with anti-corruption agencies to monitor and penalize party agents engaging in such practices. It suggested incentivizing polling units and personnel that comply with electoral laws to encourage accountability and integrity.
The CLEEN Foundation further called on civil society organizations to intensify efforts in educating the public on electoral offenses and the importance of rejecting inducements. It emphasized the need for active citizenship, urging voters to report instances of vote trading and misconduct through accessible hotlines and social media channels.