The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Cross River has threatened to punish collation and returning officers who involve in sharp practices in the Gubernatorial and House of state assembly elections.
INEC’S Resident Electoral Commissioner for Cross River, Prof. Gabriel Yomere, made the threats on Friday during training in Calabar for INEC’s ad-hoc personnel engaged for Saturday’s elections in the state.
Yomere urged the officers to be non-partisan in carrying out their duties and stay away from all forms of criminality.
He said, “For the avoidance of doubt, section 120 of the 2022 Electoral Act states that officers on election duty who without lawful excuse commit or omit to act in breach of official duty for which they’ve sworn an oath of neutrality will be prosecuted and if convicted shall be imprisoned.
“The term of imprisonment ranges from 3 years for collation officers and twelve months for presiding officers and other polling level staff, including fine where applicable.”