In the ongoing governorship election in Ekiti State, there are strong indications that some voters are selling their votes at polling units, using coded numbers to avoid direct cash exchange. This practice was observed by PREMIUM TIMES across multiple polling units in Emure-Ekiti and Ose-Ekiti Local Government Areas, with incidents consistent with vote-buying at several locations.
Party Agents Ask Voters to Display Ballot Papers
Party agents were seen asking voters to display their marked ballot papers as proof of voting preference. Instead of distributing cash directly at the polling units, some agents issued numbers to voters after they cast their ballots. The purpose of these numbers could not be independently verified by this newspaper. However, the practice was observed repeatedly across some of the polling units visited, with voters receiving numbers after showing their ballot papers to party agents.
Coded Numbers as a Vote-Buying Tactic
Election observers have previously identified the use of coded numbers, tokens, and other verification methods as tactics sometimes employed to facilitate vote-buying while avoiding the direct exchange of cash at polling units. Security personnel and election officials were present at the affected polling units at the time of observation, but no arrests or interventions were reported.
Impact on Election Integrity
This development raises serious concerns about the integrity of the Ekiti governorship election. Vote-buying undermines the democratic process and disenfranchises voters who choose to sell their votes. The use of coded numbers makes it harder for authorities to detect and prosecute offenders, as there is no direct evidence of cash exchange at the polling units.
Stay tuned for more updates on the Ekiti State governorship election as the situation unfolds.
