Letters

Curbing vote merchandising ahead of polls

As we prepare for the forthcoming elections, there is need for us to clearly discern the difference between a free and fair election and a vote-buying preceded election. Yes, election is not naira bet. Thus, one is expected to vote for who he or she wants and not for the highest bidder. No doubt, election is supposed to be a legal grounds for choosing a democratic leader who in turn is expected to render selfless service to the masses but rather what we see today is patriotism in reverse order.

Interestingly, vote buying has become the latest trend during elections, the current generation sees every approaching election as a golden opportunity to share and grab in whatever they call “national cake.” As things are in Nigeria today, with low level of literacy coupled with endemic poverty and unemployment rate, vote buying seems to be an alternative to the masses.

While it is easy to engage in vote merchandising, it is not also difficult to point out the menace of vote buying as it does not only bring about having mediocrity in governance but also leads to misrule and bad administration. Besides, those brought into office through vote buying will not serve the people well.

Floods everywhere

I must state that vote-buying is not the only act of corruption that takes place in the electoral process. Akin to that is the abuse of state resources, especially by political office holders. The misuse of coercive powers of the state such as the police, Department of State Services and the military; the use of anti-corruption agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission and the Code of Conduct Bureau to victimize and persecute people especially opposition are all forms of political corruption.

But going forward it is our collective responsibility as citizens and electorates to fight against this menace which has hindered good governance in our country.

The first step is to be conscious of the fact that selling our conscience to assuage immediate hunger will bring about future famine unless we seek contentment in what we have.

The security agencies as well as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will also do well not to condone vote buying during elections at polling centres.

Furthermore, the media can also help in playing a major role in eradicating this evil by enlightening the masses on the implications of vote buying to the future of the country.