An Election Monitoring Group, Yiaga Africa, Tuesday expressed concerns over unstable security, combined with growing tensions between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) supporters ahead of this Saturday’s governorship election in Edo State.
The group said it documented instances where political parties distributed cash and gifts to lure voters during campaigns.
The group said if the situation is not addressed, the issues could undermine the credibility and peaceful conduct of the election.
The director of Programmes, Yiaga Africa, Cynthia Mbamalu stated this during a pre-election press briefing in Benin City.
Mbamalu stated the need for security agencies to remain neutral and professional during the election.
She said: “All political actors should focus on issue-based campaigns and refrain from offering unsustainable gifts to lure voters.”
Continuing, the group commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for conducting a monk accreditation and voting ahead of the election and expressed concern over the low turnout.
It urged INEC to improve communication with the public to ensure higher engagement on Election Day.”
Blueprint Newspapers on WhatsAp-Join now!