As the Osun governorship election draws closer, voters are urged to maintain peace and avoid actions that could disrupt the process or lead to arrest.

FILE PHOTO: Voting in Ward 4, Polling Unit 007 inside St. Stephen’s Primary School, Akure, Ondo State. Photos: Sodiq Adelakun/Channels TV

As the people of Osun State prepare to elect their governor for the next four years on Saturday, August 15, voters and other participants are expected to conduct themselves peacefully and avoid actions that could disrupt the election or attract criminal sanctions.

Here are five things to avoid during the election:

1. Don’t snatch or destroy ballot boxes

Taking away, destroying or interfering with election materials can disrupt voting and constitutes an electoral offence. Voters should allow election officials to carry out their duties without interference.

2. Don’t buy or sell votes

Offering money or other inducements to influence how someone votes is an offence. Voters should reject attempts to buy their votes and report suspected vote buying through the appropriate channels.

3. Don’t engage in violence or intimidation

Voters, party agents and supporters should avoid fighting, threats, intimidation or any conduct capable of causing disorder at polling units.

4. Don’t interfere with the voting process

Voters should not obstruct election officials, tamper with election materials or disrupt accreditation and voting. Everyone at the polling unit is expected to follow the procedures laid down by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

5. Don’t campaign or canvass at the polling unit

The polling unit should be a place for voting, not for last-minute campaigning or pressuring voters. Voters should be allowed to make their choices freely and without intimidation or undue influence.