D-Day is here. Saturday 23rd February 2019.
We all have a date with history as Nigerians go to the polls today to elect a president to pilot the ship of state from 2019 to 2023. Senate and House of Representatives polling is also taking place.
Some of us who are voting outside our places of abode because we registered in another location or moved houses since we acquired our PVCs, left home early this morning to beat the restriction of movement which started at 6am.
Many of us are already camped with friends, family or in hotels to ensure we cast our ballot. For some who didn’t want to wake up too early this morning, the camping started last night when they moved to their camping places. Of course the travellers took off yesterday or before to their hometowns and villages to prepare for today.
I made sure I passed by my polling booth around 5.35am when I was locating to my camping place with the faint hope there will be action or movement of INEC staff. No luck with that. The place was still dark. 8am sharp and they will see me there with my flowing red Kaftan and Fez cap. I am ready. Are you?
This is how INEC says you should vote, as published in their website https://www.inecnigeria.org/voter-education/how-to-vote/.
How To Vote:
Introduction:
This is designed to help you understand the Voting Procedures during an election. Remember that you are qualified to vote if you are a registered voter and your name appears on the register of voters at your polling.
Opening of the Polling Units:
On each Election Day, polling stations will open for Accreditation and Voting from 8:00 am to 2.00 pm. However, voters on the queue before the close of poll at 2:00pm will be accredited and allowed to vote.
Voting Procedure:
Voting at the polling unit will be as follows:
Step 1:
At the polling unit, join the queue. An INEC official will check if you are at the correct polling unit and confirm that the PVC presented belongs to you.
Step 2:
An INEC official will confirm if your PVC is genuine using the card reader. You will be asked to place your finger on the card reader.
Step 3:
An INEC official will ask for your PVC and confirm you are listed in the Voters Register. Your name will be ticked and your finger will be inked to confirm you have voted. If your name is not found you cannot vote.
Step 4:
The Presiding officer will stamp, sign and endorse your ballot paper. You will be given the ballot paper rolled with the printed side inwards and directed to the voting cubicle.
Step 5:
Stain your finger with the ink given and mark the box for your preferred candidate/party. Roll the ballot paper in the manner you were given and flatten it.
Step 6:
Leave the voting cubicle and drop the ballot paper in the ballot box in full view of people at the Polling Unit.
Step 7:
Leave the Polling Unit or wait if you so choose, in an orderly and peaceful manner, to watch the process up to declaration of result.
N.B: The result of each Polling Unit shall be pasted at the unit for everyone to see.
Your right as a voter:
On each Election Day, you have the right to:
Access the polling station;
Receive information on the voting procedures from the poll officials
Vote in secret.
Responsibility of the Voter:
Obey all lawful instructions from the INEC and Security Officials on election duty.
Leave the polling unit or wait if you so choose in an orderly and peaceful manner.
Encourage other voters to do likewise.
Very easy, isn’t it?
So let’s go and vote!
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Ogie Eboigbe, veteran journalist, broadcaster and public affairs specialist writes and analyses current and historical issues with a ‘wise pen’.
