YIAGA Africa’s WatchingTheVote has encouraged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Ekiti state, to increase its Voter education campaign to reduce Vote buying. This is contained the WTV second Pre-Election Observation report released to the public as the report also recommends that Political parties should adhere to electoral laws during campaigns. Read report of the Findings Below
Summary of Findings:
Visible voter education across the state by Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs). The voter education messages of the voter education campaigns are desegregated and targeted at women, youth and People with Disabilities (PWDs);
Election preparatory activities including the distribution of the Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) are currently undertaken by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). PVC distribution ongoing in 15 of the 16 LGAs of Ekiti state;
Youth and women groups are increasingly engaging the political space by campaigning and canvassing for votes for political parties and candidates;
There were fewer incidence of violence in this reporting period compared to the first reporting period, May 25 – June 7, 2018. However, WTV observed and reported violent physical or verbal attacks on street political campaign trails in Oye LGA and communal clash that spilled to attacks on travellers in Ikole LGA;
Recommendations:
YIAGA urges voters in Ekiti State who have registered and yet to collected their PVCs to visits INEC LGA offices and collect their cards.
YIAGA urges voters to actively participate in the process by engaging on the issues and not being swayed by any form of inducement by political parties or candidates
INEC should continue to provide statewide voter information campaigns and workshops to ensure that voters are aware of changes made to election day procedures designed to improve the use of smart card readers for voter accreditation.
In addition, is the need for intensified multi-stakeholder voter education. Political parties should conduct their campaigns within the ambits of the law and ensure candidates and party supporters act responsibly and peacefully.
Security agencies especially the police should ensure that there is proper security provision especially during party campaigns and other activities in the different communities.
