INEC bans use of phones in polling units, to prosecute defaulters

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2019 general elections: Candidates express fear for new electoral act

Ahead of Osun State Governorship Election, The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has banned the use of mobile phones by voters and other duty officials at polling units during elections in the state.

Chairman of the commission, Prof. Mahmud Yakubu, said the decision was a deliberate measure to put a stop to the menace of vote buying, which he said was threatening the country’s democracy.

Professor Yakubu assured that he would use the Osun State governorship election as a test case against vote-buying, vowing to partner with the security agencies to make arrests and prosecute defaulters to serve as a deterrent to others.

Other participants, including civil society groups and non-governmental organizations, attributed the worrisome trend of vote-buying to poverty and hunger.