This question is posted by ACE on behalf of PN member Jeff Fischer.

Please cite cases where the national military and/or the police are permitted inside polling stations to provide protective services. 

In contexts where police are not permitted inside polling stations, are there statutory distances from the polls required by police unless an emergency occurs?

PN members are encouraged to cite examples specific to a country or an election, and any legislation directly relevant to this question.

Summary of Responses

ACE Practitioners’ Network members shared a range of examples in response to the question. In countries where police and/or security forces are deployed on Election Day, members’ examples can be classified under two common scenarios:

1. While police and/or the military secure elections, they are not permitted inside polling stations, and may only enter at the request of the presiding officer.  Members suggested this is the case in the following countries:

• Bangladesh: Military and Paramilitary forces are deployed on Election Day.
• Lesotho: Police officers are deployed on Election Day.

*A member noted that Lesotho’s national legislation does not cover the presence of security on Election Day. See National Assembly Elections Act 2011 for information on who may enter polling stations.

• Burkina Faso: Military personnel are deployed on Election Day.
• Liberia: Police officers are deployed on Election Day.

*A member noted that Liberia’s national legislation does not cover the presence of security on Election Day.

• Ghana: Police officers and military personnel are deployed on Election Day.

*A member noted that Ghana’s national legislation does not cover the presence of security on Election Day.

• Papua New Guinea: Police officers and military personnel are deployed on Election Day.

*A member mentioned that the 2012 manual for polling station officials states that police officers and other security staff are not permitted inside the polling booth (clarify if this means polling station)

• Burundi: Police officers are deployed on Election Day.

*A member suggested looking at Article 55 of the Electoral Law.

• Rwanda:  Police officers and Local Defense Forces are deployed on Election Day.

*A member clarified that local Defense Forces report to the Rwanda National Police

• Ecuador: Police officers are deployed on Election Day.

*A member suggested looking at the Deputy Code of Democracy in Ecuador.

• Nigeria: Police officers and military personnel are deployed on Election Day.

*A member noted that Nigeria’s national legislation does not cover the presence of security on Election Day.

• Panama:  Police officers are deployed on Election Day.
• Palestine: Police officers are deployed on Election Day.
• Cameroon: Police officers are deployed on Election Day.
• Mexico:  Police and military forces are deployed on Election Day.

2. Police and/or the military are generally allowed inside polling stations to provide protective services. Members suggested this is the case in the following countries:

• Nepal: During the Constituent Assembly Elections (2013) police were present inside polling stations. National legislation does not specifically support the police’s presence at polling stations, but Article 44 of the Election Ordinance Law is interpreted to include police officers.  Additionally, in 2013 the presence of security forces was especially high in electoral districts where parties had announced they would boycott the elections. The Carter Center Election Observation Mission recommended in its final report that “regulations should not allow security forces to be present inside polling centers unless their presence is required by the polling officer. If their presence inside is necessary, regulations should ensure that they should not be stationed in such a way that could compromise the secrecy of the vote or give the appearance of doing so. Weapons should not be carried inside polling centers.”
• United States (New York):  New York State Election Law (Section 8-104) outlines a variety of roles police officers can play at polling stations.  However, police officers must defer to the instruction of certain election officials, and it is a misdemeanor for a police officer to disobey an order of an election worker.
• Afghanistan:  Security officials are allowed at polling stations according to the electoral law of 2005. However, a member pointed out that this is in contrast to the Joint Electoral Management Body's (JEMB) regulations, which only allows security officials invited by electoral officials (Article 6). Additionally, Article 44 prohibits the carrying of arms at polling centers unless 500 ft away. Only security officials authorized by the Ministry of Interior may be exempted from this provision.  
• Uganda: Constables (police officers) are appointed by the Electoral Commission to maintain law and order.  See The Parliamentary Act of 2005 (Sections 53, 54, 42).
• Venezuela:  The Law on Electoral Processes (LOPRE) of 2009 allows the participation of the National Armed Forces in the organizing of elections.  A member noted that according to the General Regulations of the Organic Law of Electoral Processes (2013), the Election Commission must request cooperation of the military to prevent violence, and maintain order at polling stations. The Armed Forces have custody over the transfer of voters, election materials, and equipment.
• Argentina: Military forces secure the insides of polling stations, while police patrol the exterior. The police and security forces comprise the 'Comando General Electoral' (General Election Command), which is a force mandated to provide security during elections, and under the authority of the National Electoral Court on Election Day.
• Zimbabwe: Electoral law stipulates that two police officers must be stationed at the polling station, with one seated inside. There is a heavy police presence on Election Day, and up to 18 police officers have been deployed at some polling stations in the past.

Regarding statutory distances between security forces and/or police and polling stations, a few members shared the following cases:

• In Ghana, military officials can only patrol their assigned districts, but are called into stations if their security personnel require reinforcements.
• In Papua New Guinea the polling manual for the 2012 elections requires security to maintain a 200 meter clearance from the polling booth, unless requested to assist by the presiding officer. However in the Highlands the police also participated in managing the polling process (e.g. handing out ballot papers).
• In Nigeria, police are required to stand approximately 300 meters away from the polling station to observe the electoral process.

Overall, members noted that while the presence of police and security forces inside polling stations may secure elections, and give the public confidence to vote in insecure environments, it may also violate the principle of secrecy of the ballot and potentially intimidate voters.

External Resources:

Political Transition Monitoring in Nepal, 2009-2014 (Carter Center)

State of New York: 2014 Election Law

CNE: Funciones De Los Effectivos MIlitares Del Plan Republica

Republica Bolivariana De Venezuela: Reglamento General de la Ley Organica de Procesos Electorals

Constitutuyese el Comando General Electoral. Funciones (Decreto 502/2013)

Codigo de la Democracia (Ecuador)

Contributing Members:

• Benny Goodnews Oguejiofor
• Abdul Aziz Mbond
• Lateef Alani Ige
• Rafael Riva Palacio Galimbert
• Bolanle Asimolowo
• Denise Nzisabira
• Jack Zaba
• Marcel Banzouzi
• Asante Emmanuel Kissi
• Jaffal Aref
• Elizabeth Atencio
• Victor Hugo Ajila
• Alejandro Tullio
• Antonio Castellanos Jesús Vasquez
• Hadija Miiro
• Ata Okon Elder Ewa
• Liberata Irambona
• Sean H Gralton
• Rémegie Gahungu
• Paul Goddey Gablah
• Chedomir Flego
• Henry Agaabil Adeenze
• Joseph Tokpah Kennedy
• Joachim Baggnan
• Carl Dundas
• Bokang Nthinya
• Abdul Alim
• Jonathan Stonestreet

In the Nepal Constituent Assembly Elections of November 2013, police were generally present in polling stations. Usually they acted as queue control but were sometimes present in other areas of the polling stations. The legislation does not specifically allow their presence. According to Article 44 of the election ordinance (law), "The Polling Officer shall not allow other persons except the following persons to enter into the polling station:

(a) Voters,

(b) Agent of a Political Party or a candidate or one of his/her agents,

(c) Observers permitted by the Commission,

(d) Persons permitted by the Commission or Returning Officer or Polling Officer"

In practice, security forces were permitted under point d.

To put this in context, several parties had announced that they would attempt to enforce a boycott of the elections, especially in certain electoral districts. Therefore, security force presence outside polling stations was high. Nevertheless, their presence inside polling stations (with arms) was usually unnecessary. 

The Carter Center Election Observation Mission recommended in its final report that "regulations should not allow security forces to be present inside polling centers unless their presence is required by the polling officer. If their presence inside is necessary, regulations should ensure that they should not be stationed in such a way that could compromise the secrecy of the vote or give the appearance of doing so. Weapons should not be carried inside polling centers." 

www.cartercenter.org/resources/pdfs/news/peace_publications/election_reports/nepal-2014-final.pdf  (p.71)

In Bangladesh both armed and unarmed police are deployed to ensure security inside the polling stations. Military and other paramilitary (Boarder Guard of Bangladesh) are deployed as striking force which means that they are in petrol duty and if there is violence or disruption of security, they are called inside the polling stations to tackle violence.

Hi Jeff,

Many electoral legislative schemes provide for the police or security personnel to be inside the polling station on Election Day, but under the control of the presiding officer. An issue is whether or not the presence of police/security personnel is intrusive. An anecdote from the Pakistan elections in the early 1990s may serve to illustrate the point. In 1993, the Caretaker Govt. of Pakistan authorised the use of personnel from the army and navy to be present in significant numbers at each polling station. Commonwealth election observers were split (particularly two journalists, a Canadian and a British, who insisted that the presence of the security personnel were intrusive) on whether or not such high numbers of security personnel at polling stations was the right signal for future democratic elections in Pakistan. Some of the observers felt that their presence was potentially intimidating to voters, other felt that the security personnel aided security at the stations and thus gave voters confidence to go to the polls. Perhaps, owing to the prevailing circumstances nationally then, a number of voters who were interviewed after voting confirmed that the added visible security helped them to go out to the polling station.

In Liberia Police Officers are deployed on Elections Day principally to ensure the existence of law and order. They are not allowed to enter a polling center except by request of the Presiding Officer and this only happens in the event of disturbance or violence. There is no statutory or constitutional law to the effect.

Ghana's elections have always been conducted with security personnel such as the police, fire officers, immigration officers detailed at every  polling station. At every polling station, there is always at least one security officer to provide security and to maintain law and order. Polling stations noted for violence could even be assigned more than one security officer. The military has always been involved in elections in Ghana, at least since I started working for the electoral commission of Ghana since the December 2008 general election.  But military officials are not stationed at polling stations but rather patrol their assigned districts and are called in to stations where security officials stationed at polling stations find that they cannot handle security challenges at those stations

In Ghana, the police are by law to provide security at all public and so the electoral laws allow them to be at polling stations on election days. The presence of the security officials prevent voter intimidation. Voters also tend to be intimidated by the the military officials and this explains why they are not stationed at polling stations but only called in when the need arise.

Hi Jeff

At the 2012 national elections in PNG, the polling manual said:

Note: Police officers and other security staff are not permitted inside the area described as the “Polling Booth”.

The manual provided a diagram showing the police and security were asked to keep a 200 meter clearance from the polling booth unless requested to help by the Presiding Officer. Additionally a separate police booklet and training was provided to the police to inform them more directly.

However, in practice in the Highlands, particularly the police, were observed to be providing not just the security, but were physically managing the polling process, including handing out ballot papers; photos are available.

Ched

In Ghana on Election Day, both Military Officers and Police Officers are deployed on Elections Day principally to ensure that the existence of rule of  law and order is observed.. They are not allowed to enter a polling center except by request of the Presiding Officer and this only happens in the event of disturbance or violence occurs by this assistant of the Police and Military Officer is need. In Ghana there is constitutional instrument and constitutional law to the effect.

From: Paul Goddey Gablah

Hi, Prof Jeff,

In Burundi police officers are required to be present at the polling stations but not inside. They are only allowed to be at the centers to offer security . According to our Electoral law under article 55, they can only go inside if so requested by the presiding officer.

In Burundi, there is no statutory distances from the polls required by the law. What is clear is that the police officer will only enter into the polling station at the request by the Presiding officer.

Dear Jeff, 

From somewhat close to home, in NY, police officers are an integral part of the electoral process.  

"NY State Election Law, Section 8-104, 6. In the city of New York, during days of primary, general, special and community school board elections, at each premises wherein a polling place or places are located, at least one police officer or peace officer designated by the police commissioner of such city pursuant to the provisions of article two of the criminal procedure law shall be assigned for duty from the opening until the closing of the polls. Additional police officers or peace officers may be assigned as is deemed appropriate by the police commissioner of such city."

The section does not specifically note where a police officer may be, but other sections describing the duties of police officers imply wherever he or she wants to be.  

For example:

Section 9-102, 5: "The inspector or other courier assigned by the board filing the returns shall deliver to the board or officer from whom received, the keys of the voting machine, enclosed in a sealed envelope having indorsed thereon a certificate of the inspectors stating the number of the machine, the election district(s), ward(s) or assembly district(s) where it has been used, the number on the seal and the number on the protective counter. In the city of New York, police officers or peace officers designated by the police commissioner of such city shall provide such delivery of the devices."

Section 9-124 5."The inspector or other courier assigned by the board filing the returns shall deliver to the board or officer from whom received, the keys of the voting machine, enclosed in a sealed envelope having indorsed thereon a certificate of the inspectors stating the number of the machine, the election district(s), ward(s) or assembly district(s) where it has been used, the number on the seal and the number on the protective counter. In the city of New York, police officers or peace officers designated by the police commissioner of such city shall provide such delivery of the devices."

Even more interesting is that certain election officials do have some control over the activities of police officers.  For example, this section makes it a misdemeanor for a police officer to disobey an order of an election worker, in this case, a special investigator: Section 3-107, 5. "Any such special investigator may call upon any member of the police, sheriff, deputy sheriff, constable or other public officer, or any person, to assist him in carrying out the provisions of this section. Any such officer or person who shall fail to render the assistance so demanded or who shall wilfully hinder or delay such special investigator in the exercise of any power or the performance of any duty shall be guilty of a misdemeanor."

Quotes are from http://www.elections.ny.gov/NYSBOE/download/law/2014NYElectionLaw.pdf

Best,

Sean

Jeff, 

A bit farther from home:

The Afghan electoral law of 2005 implies that security officials may be present in the polling station: 

"Article 44 

Prohibition of Carrying Arms at Polling Centres 

No person shall carry any weapon or any instrument capable of use as a weapon, at or within 500 meters of any polling centre. The carrying of weapons by security officials authorized by the Ministry of Interior shall be exempted from this provision."

However, the electoral commission's (JEMB) regulation on the topic only allows security officials who are invited by electoral officials:

"Article 6

Persons Authorized to be in the Polling Center and Polling Station

 (1) No person may enter or remain in a polling facility except: 

a) polling officials, JEMB members, ECC members, and authorized JEMBS and ECC staff;

b) PEC members;

c) voters with a valid Voter Registration Card for the purpose of voting; 

d) accredited Media Representatives;

e) registered Candidate and Political Party Agents and  Observers; 

f) guests specially authorized by the JEMB;

g) persons authorized to assist disabled voters in accordance with Article 9; and

h) on duty police officers or duly authorized security officials upon invitation by a Polling Center Chairperson."

If I recall correctly, the difference between the two was partly a result of the promulgating bodies (the law was promulgated by the President's office, the regulation was promulgated by the EMB) having different perspectives on whether security officials in the polling stations was a good or bad thing.  Not surprisingly, the executive, in at least nominal control of the security agents, took the view that security in the polling stations was a good thing.  

The JEMBS drafting stakeholders were more ambivalent, recognizing that the security situation in Afghanistan was less than optimal, while also recognizing the potentially intimidating effect of armed representatives of the government in polling stations.  The way sub-part h was written was an attempt to split the proverbial baby.

How it was actually implemented... well, that's another story.

Best,

Sean

Dear Jeff,

Hope that you are doing well.

In my country, Rwanda during elections two security organs are allowed to protect voters, Electoral agents, candidates and electoral materials. Those security organs are( Police and Local Defense Forces) But they do not stay in polling rooms. They take distance and intervene in case there is a conflict to resolve. The Rwanda electoral instructions are clear on that issue. We usually use one police man and 2 Local Defense.

NB: Local Defense Forces are chosen among  the population and they are trained on how to secure people in case there is a conflict. They report to the Rwanda National police.

Regards.

Liberata.

In Nigeria, the Police are required to stand about 300 meters away from the polling station to observe the polling process. However, when there is a bridge of peace or any action that is likely to disrupt the process, the Presiding officer at the Polling station is empowered by law to invite the Police to effect arrest and bring back order. There is no were in our Electoral law where the Military are allowed near the polling stations. In some cases the military can be deployed to flash points but not at the polling stations. Generally police men at the polling stations are not to interfere with the process unless invited by the Presiding officer for the purpose of maintaining order.

Hello Jeff,

In Uganda, the police are permitted inside polling stations to provide protective services. 

Section 40 of "The Parliamentary Act -2005", of Uganda, stipulates that "During an election, and throughout the campaign and polling period, every Presiding Officer or any authorized Agent of the Commission is a keeper of peace and has all the powers of a justice of peace and hence he or she may require the assistance of a member of the Uganda Police Force or other persons present to aid him or her in maintaining peace and order in the Polling Station".

This is particularly so in urban areas(City, Municipality and Town). In rural areas, the Returning Officer, in the absence of a Police Officer may appoint another person present as an Election  Constable.

Sections 53 and 54 describe the circumstances under which tallying of partial results or where a mandatory recount may be conducted. Both incidences require the presence of a Police Officer not below the rank of Inspector of Police. 

While under Section 42, "A person shall not arm himself or herself during any part of the polling day with any arms or ammunition, approach a polling station within one kilometer of a polling station, with arms and ammunitions" the same section allows such actions if one is called upon  to do so by lawful authority or where he or she is ordinarily entitled by virtue of his or her office to carry arms.".

In practice, the Electoral Commission ordinarily appoints a "constable" who is a police officer or "other" to maintain law and order by ensuring that voters form one line, and vote in an orderly manner, ensure safety of materials, effect any lawful arrests ordered by the Presiding Officer and stand behind the last voter at 5.00 p.m. when polling closes

I am not aware of any serious security incidents occurring as a result of the presence of police in the polling station.

Hola Jeff

En Venezuela, la ley electoral, denominada Ley Orgánica de Procesos Electorales (LOPRE) (2009), contempla la participación de la Fuerza Armada Nacional en algunas materias relacionadas con la organización de los procesos electorales.

La participación de la Fuerza Armada en los procesos eleccionarios se ejecuta a través del Plan República. El Manual de funcionamiento de la Mesa Electoral (Elecciones Municipales 2013) define en sus conceptos básicos:

Por su parte el Reglamento General de la Ley Orgánica de Procesos Electorales (2013) estiupula, en concordancia con el artículo de la LOPRE antes citado:

Como puede observarse corresponde a la Fuerzas Armadas garantizar el orden público y seguridad de las personas, el material electoral y los equipos tecnológicos (Ver también Reglamento General de la LOPRE, Artículos 109,300,302, 320, 328, 330, 331, 332, 341, 344, 401, 434 y 450). Tales funciones incluyen:

 1) El mantenimiento del orden dentro y fuera de los Centros de Votación en los diferentes actos electorales, a saber, instalación de la Mesa Electoral (dos días antes de las elecciones), constitución, votación y escrutinio

2) La custodia de: instalaciones del CNE, Almacenes, Procesos de despliegue (traslado del material electoral  y equipos desde los Almacenes hasta finalmente los Centros de Votación) repliegue (traslado del material electoral y equipos desde los Centros de Votación hasta los almacenes del CNE); Instalaciones de las Juntas Electorales (Organismos Electorales subordinados (subnacionales); Centros de Votación y Mesas Electorales,

3) La colaboración con los electores, observadores nacionales y acompañantes internacionales en su acceso al Centro de Votación.

Dos precisiones:

1.- El tema del resguardo, custodia y traslado de los electores y del material electoral y de los equipos tecnológicos es materia exclusiva de la Fuerza Armada Nacional, es decir están expresamente excluidos los demás órganos de seguridad del Estado, a saber policías nacionales, estadales y municipales, entre otros.

2.- Existe una disposición establecida por el CNE de prohibir la celebración de reuniones en un perímetro de doscientos (200) metros alrededor del Centro de Votación (Manual de funcionamiento de la Mesa Electoral. Elecciones Municipales 2013)

En Argentina las fuerzas de seguridad y policiales federales y locales (Prefectura Naval, Gendarmería, Policía Federal y Policías Provinciales) prestan servicios de seguridad en el perímetro exterior de los establecimientos de votación, mientras que las fuerzas militares de todas las ramas (ejercito, marina, fuerza aérea) custodian en el interior de los mismos. 

Todos los efectivos tanto policiales, de seguridad como militares se encuentran organizados en el denominado "Comando General Electoral" a cargo de un oficial militar de máxima graduación con funciones en el Estado Mayor Conjunto de las Fuerzas Armadas, y de él dependen 24 "Comandos Electorales de Distrito" uno por cada provincia y la Ciudad de Buenos Aires (cada una de estas es un distrito), que se constituye con anterioridad a las elecciones y se disuelve una vez concluidos los escrutinios definitivos y proclamados los candidatos.

El Comando General Electoral se relaciona con los poderes públicos a través de la Dirección Nacional Electoral y, en la jornada electoral y durante la duración del escrutinio están a las órdenes de la Justicia Nacional Electoral.

En cada ocasión electoral se constituye por Decreto Presidencial este órgano encargado de la seguridad electoral.

Se acompaña copia del Decreto que constituyera el Comando General Electoral Electoral para las elecciones de 2013.

En Ecuador, la ley electoral dispone que la Policía Nacional custodie y brinde protección en los exteriores de los recintos electorales, mientras que los militares resguardan las mesas de votación, y el material electoral, de cuyo traslado, distribución y logística también se encargan.

Esta práctica data de años atrás, y tiene gran aceptación social, porque se considera a las Fuerzas Armadas como una institución confiable y creible. Además, los policías y militares en servicio activo tienen derecho al sufragio, por tanto, la presencia de estos en los recintos electorales y mesas de votación es aceptada.

En conclusión, considero que depende del contexto social; en el mayor de los casos, la población acepta estas prácticas y la ley también las permite; pero también habran casos sensibles donde no es posible aplicar esto, por ejemplo en un país que sale de una dictadura militar.

Adjunto el Código de la Democracia de Ecuador, para mayor referencia.

Saludos

En mi país Panamá, contamos gracias a Dios con la Policìa, pero estas estan custodiando los centros de votación en las parte de afuera del centro, no asi dentro de las mismas.

in Palestine the police and the military are not allowed to inter the polling station unless the police who are protecting the polling station out side the center received request from the polling station manager.

In Ghana the police and other security agencies are allowed to provide security at the polling stations, however, to address the issue of intimidation, they are not allowed to carry arms. Again, the police or any security agent at the polling station is under the direction and control of the presiding officer as such only act on the instruction of the PO. The military, on the other hand are used as a buffer and are usually stationed at vantage points closer to violent prone polling stations as well as patrol the localities to ensure peaceful conduct of the polls.

le déroulement du vote ainsi que les électeurs ont besoins d'être sécurisés; les forces de l'ordre sont déployées pour assurer cette sécurité. Elle ne peuvent entrer dans le B.V que sur réquisition du président du B.V, en cas de troubles dans le B.V ou dans ses abords immédiats, troubles susceptibles de porter atteinte au bon déroulement du vote.

In Zimbabwe police officers are allowed into the polling station. The electoral law actually provides that two police officers should be stationed by the entrance at each polling station, with one seated inside the polling station and the second one stationed by the entrance outside the polling station. Beyond the two police officers assigned to the entrance, practice has witnessed heavy policy presence around each polling station to the extent that at some polling stations up to 18 police officers were deployed in previous elections. The general mandate of the police officers assigned to each polling station is to preserve peace, however in some instances especially during elections dating back from 2008, the police officers were allowed to monitor polling officials as they handled assisted voters. The police officers at each polling station are however under the command of the presiding officer  and are required not to carry arms publicly. However the presence of police officer has raised issues of intimidation and has perpetuated suspicion that they have been centrally involved in alleged electoral fraud which characterized previous elections. 

In my country Burundi,  the presence of police officers  inside or in the immediate surroundings of the polling stations is prohibited, except  when requisitioned by  the President of the polling station.This is stated in the electoral law(Art.55).

In application of this article, the National Independent Electoral Commission in its sessions of voter education, estimated that the  police officers must be at least  at 50 m far from the polling station.

To add my comment to Ata Okon Elder Ewa, there is no provision for the use of security forces at polling units in Nigeria. However, in the past decades, violence during elections has been on the increase, therefore the need to enlist the services of the security forces in maintaining peace at polling units. In some countries, the sight of policemen or the army may seem as intimidation, in Nigeria, it is a sign of peace for the voter. But if the policemen and soldiers are high in number with their guns, it is no longer peace for the voters. Which means there should be some sort of balance of security provision at polling units. Despite the provision of security at the units, violence still erupts for whatever reason and whatever situation. That is another topic altogether. 

In Mexico nor police, neither military forces are inside of polling sites. Altouhg President of polling station has the right to ask their help if it is needed to preserve order (Art. 281 LEGIPE). 

EMB uses to ask help of military forces to guard election materials (ballot papers, acts) before and after election day.

In some Latin American countries, EMB take control of police and other public secutiry forces during specific periods close to election day. 

Hello Jeff,

In Cameroon, the police may be requested to insure security outside the polling stations, not inside. Only authorized people or personel are allowed, such as the president of the polling station and members of the commission, and the voters.

Furthermore, the police is not present in all the polling stations. We usually see them in those polling stations where the likelihood of disturbance and insecurity is very high. In such case their presence is more dissuasive

In addition, having police inside the police station may lead people to think that their vote is being controlled or monitored. Their presence inside the polling station may also be susceptible to influence the voters and it can be regarded as a way of telling people to vote for the ruling party.

Security Agencies are major stakeholders in the electoral process, INEC Nigeria, work with them during elections to ensure the maintenance of law and order.  However they are under the control of the Presiding Officer who is in charge of the polling station on election day, who may call them when necessary to arrest someone who commits an offence.