The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has proposed legislation to restrict the possession of large sums of money at polling units to curb vote-buying and enhance electoral integrity.
This recommendation was made on Friday during a consultative meeting attended by INEC officials, security operatives, and members of the Senate and House of Representatives.
Tanimu Muhammed, INEC’s Director of Litigation and Prosecution, highlighted that politicians frequently carry substantial cash amounts on election days under the guise of party agent payments and logistical expenses.
He proposed a cash limit of N50,000 for individuals within polling areas.
“Unrestricted cash flow at polling units has encouraged vote-buying and compromised the credibility of elections,” Muhammed stated, emphasizing the need for an Electoral Offences Commission to handle election-related violations.
Oluwatoyin Babalola, the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Ondo State, supported the proposal, noting that limiting cash at polling units would make it more challenging for politicians to financially manipulate voters.
She added that a clear cash limit would help security agencies better enforce electoral laws.
Abayomi Shogunle, the Commissioner of Police in charge of Election Planning and Evaluation, acknowledged the logistical difficulties law enforcement faces during elections, including officer deployment and real-time communication.
Adebayo Balogun, Chairman of the House Committee on Electoral Matters, assured that these concerns would be addressed in future electoral reforms, stating that a new version of the Electoral Act would eventually replace the Electoral Act of 2022.