Osun Election: Vote buying, hate speech, violence may mar exercise — Yiaga Africa

Election observation group, Yiaga Africa, has raised concerns over the conduct of Saturday’s Osun State governorship election, warning that vote buying, hate speech, violence and thuggery could undermine the credibility of the poll.

 

A member of the group’s Watching the Votes initiative, Asmau Sani Maikudi, stated this on Thursday while addressing journalists in Osogbo.

 

Maikudi said pre-election violence could discourage voters from participating in the election and urged political actors to avoid actions capable of undermining the process.

 

“We expect a free, fair, transparent and peaceful election. We condemn hate speech and thuggery, which may undermine the election,” she said.

 

She also called on security agencies to take action against inflammatory rhetoric by political actors.

 

“We also condemn hate speech by some political actors. We call on security agencies to nip this in the bud,” Maikudi added.

 

The observer group further expressed concern over alleged voter inducement, saying it had received reports of political actors distributing food items and cash to influence voters.

 

“This poses a threat to the election,” she said.

 

On the preparedness of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Maikudi urged the commission to address technical challenges that could affect the deployment of sensitive electoral materials and other aspects of the poll.

 

She also called on security agencies to remain neutral and professional before, during and after the election.

 

Yiaga Africa disclosed that it would deploy 332 observers across the 30 local government areas of Osun State to monitor the conduct of the election.