INEC BANS USE OF MOBILE PHONES AND CAMERA IN OSUN GUBER

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it has banned the use of mobile phones, cameras or any recording devices by voters in polling booths in the upcoming Osun State governorship election.

The INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, announced this at a stakeholders meeting in Osogbo, the state capital ahead of the election scheduled to hold this Saturday.

Professor Yakubu said the ban would help reduce the risk of vote buying and selling, which he described as a norm amongst politicians.

The INEC boss explained that voters would not be prevented from using their devices at the polling units, but would be banned from holding their cameras and telephones, once the ballot papers were issued and until they cast their votes in the ballot boxes.

Also, the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Idris, assured the people of adequate security before, during and after the election, saying that constant forums organized by INEC ahead of elections would help the police in strategizing and providing formidable security.

There were widespread reports of vote buying and selling in the recently held Ekiti State Governorship election.

The issue dominated media discussions, especially after the polls with INEC saying it lacked powers to pursue and prosecute perpetrators and beneficiaries of the act.

Many political commentators have called for a special legislation by the National Assembly to criminalize vote buying and selling, warning that if not done, election victories will always go to the highest bidders.

CHUKWUBUIKE MADU