Nigerians will go the polls on Saturday, February 25, 2023, to elect a President to man the affairs of the state.
The elections which will come off nationwide will be keenly contested by three staunch politicians in the country. Whoever will win this bid, will replace Muhammadu Buhari.
While voting to elect a new President, it will be important for voters to also take care of their well-being. In line with this, The Independent Ghana has outlined a number of ‘dos’ and ‘don’ts’ needed to stay safe during the election period.
Here are some tips:
1. Confirm polling units before election day
Voters should physically visit their polling stations before the polls open to avoid getting lost on election day. As an alternative, the Independent Electoral Commission has made a polling unit locator available on its website at https://punchng.com/how-to-confirm-polling-unit-location-via-inec-portal/, which offers approximate location information for every polling unit nationwide.
It’s vital to remember that moving vehicles are not allowed on election day. If a voter’s home is distant from their polling station, they are recommended to find a convenient place to stay.
2. Avoid wearing political merchandise to polling booths
Voters should safeguard themselves by not publicly announcing the people or parties they plan to support at polling places because Nigeria has a secret ballot system.
Going to polling places in normal clothes is the best option to prevent needless conflict with political thugs and miscreants.
Branded items must to be hidden as well.
3. Report unusual activities:
Reporting any odd activity to the right authorities is another crucial safety measure that voters can implement during the voting process.
The Nigerian Army has set up emergency lines for voters to use in order to report any suspicious activities occurring during the voting process.
https://punchng.com/elections-army-unveils-hotlines-to-report-criminal-activities/.
Voters shouldn’t go up against people who are violent. They should first look for safety, then get in touch with security personnel as quickly as they can.
4. Avoid bringing children to the polling units:
Because of the high stakes involved, it is critical to keep children safe during the elections.
Children should not be brought to polling units in case violence breaks out. Instead, families should make adequate babysitting arrangements ahead of election day.
5. Avoid political arguments at polling booths:
Voters should go to polling units with one goal in mind: to cast their ballots and ensure that they are properly counted.
As campaign activities have been halted, it is inappropriate to engage in political discussions that could escalate into arguments or violence at polling units.