Still on ‘stomach infrastructure’
The
Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Attahiru
Jega, has said that gifts distributed to the electorate during political
campaigns should not be termed as
bribe.
Comments:
Francis:
INEC is simply saying there is no law against gifts and that there
should be a law so that law enforcers can act on the strength of the
provisions of the law. INEC is right. There is the need to amend the
Electoral Act accordingly.
True Religion:
Influence peddling in any form to alter the behaviour of voters ought
to be prohibited. If gifts to voters to influence their behaviour are
acceptable, in the same breath, gifts to civil servants to influence
their behaviour should be allowed.
Both have the same effect: to ensure a positive outcome to the advantage of the giver.
Let us not kid ourselves, the
American democracy which we aspire to replicate, outlaws gifts to voters
in exchange for their votes and we should move towards doing the same.
Ziky: Tell
me one political party in Nigeria that does not give out gifts before
election. Can a bag of rice truly buy your vote? Gift sharing has always
been a part of the electioneering. But why is it that it has never been
an offence to distribute salt, and rice to wards for the purpose of
mobilization.
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