Inec proposes new law that will punish vote buying with one year imprisonment or N500,000 fine

NIGERIA'S Independent National Electoral Commission (Inec) has proposed the introduction of a new law that will bring about a punishment of a one-year imprisonment or a N500,000 ($1,120) fine for anyone found guilty of vote buying in next year's elections.

In February, Nigeria goes to the polls to elect a president, members of the National Assembly, state governors and the members of state housed of assemblies. In the past, however, such elections have been marred by vote buying with candidates handing out cash and essential food items in a bid to woo voters.

Seeking to prevent that this time around, Inec is seeking to introduce stringent punishment for vote buying during the 2023 elections. Professor Muhammad Lawal Bashar, the Inec commissioner in Jigawa State, said the commission is also prepared to conduct all the elections using the BVAS machine to ensure free and fair polls.

Professor Bashar said: "The machine will identify voters going to vote and those who have registered more than once will not be able to vote." He added that Inec has received over 156m permanent voter cards which are still under distribution until 22 January 2023.

Furthermore, Professor Bashar advised those who have registered but have not collected their voter cards to do so before the closing date. He added that the commission also has plans that will ensure that people with special needs, the elderly and pregnant women can vote easily.