As Osun residents head to the polls on Saturday, August 15, here are 15 important things every voter should know:
1. Vote peacefully. Your safety is more important than any election. Avoid violence or confrontation.
2. Go out early. Arriving early reduces stress and helps avoid overcrowding at polling units.
3. Confirm your polling unit. Vote only at the polling unit where you are registered.
4. Bring your valid voter credential. Ensure you have your approved voter identification for accreditation.
5. Do not sell your vote. Vote-buying undermines democracy and your future.
6. Protect the secrecy of your ballot. No one has the right to force you to reveal who you voted for.
7. Follow INEC officials’ instructions. Accredited election officials are responsible for the conduct of voting.
8. Be patient during accreditation and voting. Delays may occur, but remain orderly.
9. Verify information before sharing it. Ignore rumours and rely on official updates from INEC and credible news sources.
10. Report electoral malpractice. Alert security agencies or election officials if you witness vote-buying, intimidation or violence.
11. Do not carry weapons or dangerous objects to your polling unit.
12. Respect security personnel and fellow voters. Everyone deserves to vote in a peaceful environment.
13. Stay alert but remain law-abiding. Observe the process without disrupting election officials.
14. Remember that every vote counts. Elections are decided by those who participate, not by those who complain from the sidelines.
15. Accept verified results peacefully. Allow INEC to complete the process and use legal channels to address any grievances.
As political tension rises ahead of the election, civil society groups have urged voters to remain peaceful, reject vote-buying and report any security threats or irregularities.
#OsunDecides #VoteWisely #ProtectYourVote #DemocracyInAction
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