What you should know about your rights and responsibilities as a voter on election day
As a Nigerian citizen, having the right to vote in an election is a privilege and a responsibility that should not be taken lightly. Elections are the cornerstone of any democratic system, and it is through the power of the vote that citizens can elect their representatives and hold them accountable for their actions. In Nigeria, the right to vote is guaranteed by the Constitution and is an essential aspect of democratic governance.
To be eligible to vote on February 25, 2023, and March 11, 2023, for Presidential and gubernatorial elections respectively, you must be a Nigerian citizen, 18 years and above, and have collected your Permanent Voters Card (PVC). With the new electoral guidelines, only people with their PVCs are eligible to vote in the 2023 general election.
Here are rights you should be aware of as you plan to vote.
Right To Vote:
Having fulfilled and participated in the voter registration process, a voter, with his PVC, has the right to cast his vote in favour of his candidate without any form of intimidation or harassment. It is expected that the voter arrives at his polling unit on time on election day between 8:00 am to 2:00 pm. To prevent being denied the right to vote, the voter must ensure that his PVC is not damaged. Heat, direct sunlight, and water are some elements that could damage your PVC, making it unsuitable for the BVAS to read.
Right to secret voting:
A voter has the right to secret balloting, and his choice of candidate should not be disclosed. Voting is to be done behind the cubicle which will be provided on election day by INEC. Also, smartphones and cameras are not to be allowed inside the cubicles to ensure the privacy of electorates when they are casting their votes.
Right to Information About Election:
A voter has a right to be informed about the details of the elections such as the time, date, and procedure. The Presidential and Federal Parliamentary election will hold on February 25, 2023, while the Governorship and State House of Assembly elections will hold two weeks after on March 11, 2023. Information about the candidates, their ages, and their qualifications have been provided by INEC to help guide voters in their decisions.
Voters also have the right to challenge the results of an election if they believe it was rigged or otherwise compromised. The INEC has a complaints and appeals process in place for individuals who believe that the election was rigged.
The Responsibilities of a voter on Election Day:
One of the most important responsibilities of a Nigerian voter is to make sure that he/she is informed about the candidates and issues on the ballot. Aside from the electoral body properly venting the background of contestants, voters are expected to make informed decisions on their choice of candidate by examining the goals of the candidate and their track record. By doing so, voters can make informed decisions on who they believe would best represent their interests and the interests of their communities.
Another responsibility of a Nigerian voter is to participate in elections. On election day, the voter is expected to go to his polling unit with his PVC early and after accreditation, cast his votes in favour of his preferred candidate. In 2019, the percentage voter turn-out was 34.75%, the lowest since Nigeria returned to democracy in 1999. By participating in elections, voters can help determine the outcome of the election and help ensure that their representatives are held accountable for their actions.
Voters also have a responsibility to ensure that the electoral process is free, fair, and transparent. Obeying the directive of electoral officials, properly queuing and waiting in line, resisting inciting any form of violence, or campaigning for your preferred candidate are some of the ways you can help the electoral body conduct free and fair elections.
