A civil society organisation, Yiaga Africa, warned on Thursday that voter inducement could erode the integrity of the Ondo State governorship election.

Yiaga Africa, in its Pre-election Press Statement on the 2024 Ondo State Governorship Election, noted that political parties and candidates have resorted to offering cash gifts and food items to secure voter support as election day approaches.

It stated that this practice undermines the integrity of the electoral process and erodes public trust in the democratic system.

It said: “Yiaga Africa’s Long-Term Observers (LTOs) noted instances of voter inducement during campaign activities by both the APC and PDP. They observed that cash gifts ranging from N2,000 to N5,000 were distributed to voters and supporters in 14 local government areas (LGAs): Odigbo, Idanre, Akoko North East, Irele, Ilaje, Okitipupa, Owo, Akoko South West, Ondo East, Ese-Odo, Ifedore, Akoko South East, Akoko North West, and Akure South.

“Yiaga Africa is concerned that this practice may extend to election day, turning polling units into epicentres of vote-buying. Voter inducement compromises the election’s fairness and perpetuates a cycle of dependency and corruption.”

The election monitor also noted the alleged increasing desperation by political actors, stating that the desperation is evident in various ways, “including heightened rhetoric, aggressive campaigning, the spread of misinformation, and personal attacks aimed at undermining opponents.”

“Such behaviour can create a tense and volatile atmosphere leading up to the election, which may escalate into violence on election day,” it added.

READ ALSO:Ondo election: FRSC deploys 1,500 personnel

Regarding the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) preparedness for the election, Yiaga Africa acknowledged the ongoing deployment of sensitive election materials across the state’s LGAs.

Yiaga said: “We urge the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to enhance coordination and communication with the transport companies and unions providing logistics support.”

Yiaga Africa called on all stakeholders to collaborate to make the Ondo State election a model for other off-cycle elections, showcasing collective commitment to democracy and peaceful coexistence.

“INEC should ensure proper and timely communication with stakeholders on the election day process, communicate challenges experienced, and share immediate plans to address those challenges to inspire citizens’ confidence in the process,” it said.

“INEC ad hoc staff should make the electoral process accessible to all persons with disabilities. This includes ensuring that the polling unit set-up is accessible to voters with disabilities, providing assistive materials like magnifying glasses and the braille ballot guide, and ensuring that form EC40H is completed in all polling units during the voting process.”