A well-known election monitoring group, Yiaga Africa, is worried about the practice of voter fraud ahead of the upcoming governorship race in Ondo State. This problem has come up because it is said that political parties give cash gifts and food to voters to sway their decisions. These things, like fertilizers, rice, cassava, and maize, are being given to community leaders so that they can give them to people before the election to try to change their minds.
Safiya Bichi, who is the Head of Knowledge, Management, and Learning for Yiaga Africa, shared the results during a pre-election evaluation that included talks at an event in Akure, the state capital, where a peace accord was signed. Long-term watchers of the group say that these forms of corruption have been found in a number of local government areas, such as Akure South, Ese-Odo, Ifedore, Irele, Ondo East, Ose, and Owo. Concerns have been raised about how this strategy of giving out material things could hurt democracy by pressuring voters to choose candidates based on material gain instead of well-informed information.
Concerns about the election process in Ondo State are raised by Yiaga Africa’s report. In previous elections, voter turnout has not been higher than 40%, which is lower than the national average. This low turnout is especially clear in the central district of Ondo, which has the most registered voters but has also had a lot of votes thrown out in past elections. The problem of votes being thrown out is especially worrying because it suggests that there may be inefficiencies or problems in the voting process, such as poor voter education or mistakes when casting ballots, which can keep people from voting and make election results less reliable.
Because of these problems, there are more political pressures before the election, with both parties accusing each other of wrongdoing and foul play. Since the movement is getting stronger, Yiaga Africa is reminding everyone to be careful and act peacefully. Given how tense things are in politics right now, the group wants more to be done to make sure the election goes easily and without violence.
Also, Bichi has asked the government, especially the security services, to stay alert and take action to protect voters, poll officials, and everyone else involved. Yiaga Africa says that the dignity of the election must be protected and that all steps must be taken to make sure that the process is peaceful and fair. There should be precautions taken against any possible violence or voting fraud, and everyone involved needs to work together to keep the atmosphere peaceful before, during, and after the election. This call for peace and order comes at a time when the race for governor of Ondo is very important. People from all over the country and the state are closely watching how people vote and the overall political environment.
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