RIGHTS
Your rights as a voter under the Electoral Act 2026
Rights sourced from INEC voter education pages, the Electoral Act 2026 source text, and the 1999 Constitution. Verify current procedure before election day. INEC voter rights
YOUR FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS
RIGHT TO VOTE
Every registered voter has the right to vote in any election in which they are registered.
Verify in current Electoral Act and INEC guidance
RIGHT TO A SECRET BALLOT
Your vote is private. No person may compel you to disclose how you voted or intend to vote.
INEC recognises the right to vote in secret
RIGHT TO VOTE WITHOUT INTIMIDATION
Voter intimidation, bribery, and undue influence are criminal offences.
Verify offence provisions in current law
RIGHT TO ASSISTANCE
If you have a disability or cannot vote without help, you may bring a person of your choice to assist you.
Verify assistance rules in current INEC guidance
RIGHT TO BE INFORMED
INEC must publish the voter register, polling unit list, and election timetable publicly.
RIGHT TO OBSERVE
Accredited observers and party agents may be present during voting and counting.
IF YOUR RIGHTS ARE VIOLATED
CRIMINAL OFFENCES ON ELECTION DAY
Penalties depend on the applicable electoral offence and court decision. Verify against INEC offences guidance and current law. INEC offences guidance
PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
- Ask polling officials for assistance if you need help at the polling unit
- A voter who needs help may be assisted where INEC rules permit assisted voting
- Check your polling unit before election day and contact INEC if access may be difficult
- Accessibility arrangements can vary by polling unit; confirm locally before travelling
OFFICIAL HELP AND COMPLAINTS
For election-day enquiries, incident reports, complaints, or voter-rights questions, use INEC's official Citizens Contact Centre.
WATCH: KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
YIAGA Africa · Election education
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REPORT A PROBLEM
Something wrong on election day? Report it.