The Inspector General of Police, Suleyman Abba, says voters should go home after casting their ballots. He says voters should not wait at the polling stations after casting their votes.
In his response, on Channels TV, INEC Chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega, made the following assertions.
1. That the electoral law does not state anywhere that voters cannot, or should not wait to watch, and ensure that their votes are counted.
2. That INEC encourages, and is encouraging voters to wait behind, monitor the process, and watch their votes counted. He made it clear that the law expects such voters staying behind, to however conduct themselves in an orderly manner. He said this was done in 2011, and was successful.
3. That what the electoral law says, is that anyone that has no business with the electoral process at the polling booths, but desires to monitor events, should stay at least 300 meters off the polling booths.
He however clarified that a voter has business with the process, and therefore cannot be classified along with those that don't have business there.
The IG has no constitutional right to rewrite the law.
In a nutshell, you have every right under the electoral law (if you are a legitimate voter),to wait behind, ensure your votes are counted, as long a you conduct yourself in an orderly manner.
Below is an animated video by INEC which creates awareness to voters on the 10 important steps every voter MUST follow on election days.
Source: INEC
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