Yiaga Africa warns of potential violence, vote buying during Edo election

Yiaga Africa, a civil society organisation (CSO), says politicians may resort to violence and vote buying during the Edo state governorship election on September 21.

During a pre-election press conference in Benin, the state capital, Yiaga stressed the need to address vote buying through decisive actions, including the arrest and prosecution of both buyers and sellers.

The CSO said it observed a “volatile political climate” for the election, adding that strong-arm tactics and violence marred the campaign period.

“The campaign period was signposted with strong-arm tactics and violence. The activities of cult groups and political thugs have intensified amidst the proliferation of small and light arms,” Yiaga Africa said.

“YIAGA Africa is concerned that politicians will tactically employ violence and intimidation to suppress voters in specific polling units and LGAs.

“Additionally, armed groups and political thugs may disrupt INEC’s deployment of elections. Yiaga Africa has identified eight (8) LGA’s as hotspot for violence. They include, Ikpoba Okha, Oredo, Egor, Ovia South West, Ovia North East, Esan South East, Etsako West and Etsako East.

“The volatile security environment in these LGA’s necessitates a strategic and neutral deployment of security forces.

“Political parties, candidates, and their supporters must refrain from vote buying and the related practice of compromising the secrecy of the ballot so
that the voters of Edo state are free to vote according to their preference for governor.”

‘VOTER INDUCEMENT’

YIAGA also expressed concerns that voter inducement through cash, gifts, and food items by politicians may compromise the credibility of the election.

“Yiaga observed multiple instances of voter inducement during the pre-election campaign period in Edo State. Political parties and politicians continue to distribute cash, gifts, and food items to entice voters,” the CSO said.

“These monetary gifts, ranging from ₦1,000 to ₦2,000, raise serious concerns about the credibility of the electoral process.

“These practices of voter inducement undermine the integrity of the electoral process, as they can distort the free will of the electorate and compromise the democratic principle of free and fair elections.”

The CSO noted the potential for low voter turnout due to threats of violence, economic hardship, and growing distrust in the electoral process.