… Vote buying prevalent as electorate flout COVID-19 rules
THE Independent National Electoral Commission confirmed, on Saturday, that there was a shooting incident in Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State, as voters continue to turn out en masse to exercise their civic rights in the Governorship election.
The Commission, however, said it was working with the security agencies on ground to ensure the peaceful conduct of the ongoing poll.
It said it had also received images showing the alleged hijack of electoral materials in Ward 9, Unit 15 of Egor Local Government Area.
INEC noted that, with the situation, it might be forced to take necessary actions on the results that eventually emanate from the affected unit.
Chairman of INEC, Mahmood Yakubu, in his preliminary address at the virtual control room, condemned reports of vote-buying and the visible violation of COVID-19 safety protocols.
According to him, backup systems have been activated in some areas where Smart Card Readers malfunctioned.
