Elections are an essential part of any democratic society, and it’s important that they are conducted in a fair and transparent manner.

However, in every election, there are always those who try to cheat or manipulate the process. This can be done through various electoral offences, which not only compromise the integrity of the election but also undermine public trust in the democratic system.

We take a look at ten electoral offences that you should avoid on election day to avoid legal tussles and ensure a free and fair election.

Campaign: Campaigning within a distance of 300 meters of a polling unit is illegal during the voting process.

Canvassing for votes; persuading others to vote for specific candidates or displaying party symbols, cards or brands; shouting slogans; using party symbols on vehicles or blaring sirens aimed at intimidating voters; loitering around without lawful excuse after voting or after being barred from voting is not allowed.

Campaigning during the election is punishable by a term of six months or a fine of 100,000 Naira.

Announcing False Result: False declaration, which includes announcing or publishing false election results, is one of the leading factors of unrest among citizens, and it is punishable by 36 months imprisonment or a fine of up to 1 million Naira.

Any electoral officer who aids in the delivery of or who delivers a false certificate or any media body that does the same commits an offence and is liable to be convicted to imprisonment for a maximum term of three years without an option of a fine.

Impersonation: Impersonation occurs when a person presents himself as another person in order to vote. It is punishable by imprisonment for up to two years or a fine of up to 500,000 Naira.

Therefore, any person who intentionally attempts to vote in another constituency or brings someone else’s voter’s card for the purpose of voting is liable on conviction to a maximum fine of N100,000 or imprisonment for a term of six months or both.

Threats and Harassment: Threatening and harassing electorates in order to cause them not to exercise their civic duty is illegal and punishable under the law.

Threatening, inflicting damage or harm, or causing violence in order to induce others to vote or refrain from voting – among others – is a criminal offence under the Electoral Act and is punishable by imprisonment for up to two years or a fine of up to 500,000 Naira.

Bribery and Corruption: A voter commits an offence of bribery if they, before or during an election, receive or contract for money, gift, employment or other valuable considerations for voting or agreeing to vote or for refraining or agreeing to refrain from voting at any such election.

Bribery is liable on conviction to a fine of 100,000 Naira or imprisonment for a term of 12 months or both.

Unlawful Possession of Electoral Documents: Electorates possessing ballot papers or result forms or documents capable of being used as ballot papers or result forms that don’t belong to the authority is punishable under the law. Any of such documents held by electorates that can be used to manipulate the election results is illegal and is liable on conviction to a fine of 50, 000 Naira or imprisonment for a term not less than 10 years or both.

Tampering with Election Materials: Forging and interfering with a ballot paper or result form, or destroying any ballot paper is an offence punishable under the law, with a possible conviction of up to two years.

Voter’s Card Misuse: Giving your voter’s card to someone else, buying, selling or being in possession of other people’s cards for use at a polling unit is illegal, and is liable on conviction to a maximum fine of 1,000,000 Naira or imprisonment for a term of 12 months or both.

Driving During Election: There is a restriction on all forms of vehicular movement on roads, waterways, and other forms of transportation, from 12 am to 6 pm on Election Day.

This, however, excludes those on essential services such as officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, election observers, ambulances responding to medical emergencies, and firefighters among others.