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Safety Tips For Voting During Elections
By Balogun Kamilu Lekan
As Nigerians go to the poll for another historical part of its existence, some things shouldn’t be taken for granted.
Paramount of which is safety during the exercise. Even though the government has security provisions for the exercise, citizens should take a few security tips into cognizance.
Below are safety tips you should note:
1. Confirm your polling units before going out
One way for voters to prevent getting lost on election day is by visiting their designated polling station in advance of the voting period. Another option is to use the polling unit locator available on the Independent Electoral Commission’s website, which offers an approximate location for each polling unit nationwide. Check how to locate your polling unit here
It’s worth noting that driving on election day is not allowed, so voters should plan accordingly if their polling unit is far from their home.
2. Avoid wearing political outfits
In Nigeria’s secret ballot system, voters must safeguard their interests by refraining from openly declaring their preferred candidates or parties at the polling station.
To minimize the risk of confrontation with political thugs or troublemakers, it is advisable to dress in plain, unbranded clothing when visiting the polling station. Additionally, voters should avoid displaying party-related accessories or symbols that may attract unwanted attention.
3. Avoid political talks at the polling unit:
When visiting polling stations, voters should have a singular objective – to cast their ballots and ensure they are accurately counted.
Given that campaign activities are suspended during the voting period, engaging in political discussions that could potentially lead to disputes or violence at polling stations is not advisable. Voters should focus on completing their voting process peacefully and avoid instigating conflicts.
4. Report irregularities
During the voting process, voters must take steps to ensure their safety. One such measure is to alert the relevant authorities to any suspicious activity.
To facilitate this, the Nigerian Army has established emergency hotlines that voters can use to report untoward incidents during voting. In violence or aggression, voters should not attempt to confront the perpetrators. Instead, they should seek a haven and immediately contact the security forces for assistance.
3. Avoid bringing children to the polling units:
Due to the significant impact of elections, ensuring children’s safety is paramount.
Bringing children to polling stations is not recommended in case of any violence or disturbances. Instead, families should arrange for appropriate childcare options before election day to avoid potential risks.
Disclaimer
The information in this article was curated from online sources. NewsWireNGR or its editorial team cannot independently verify all details.
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