Some stakeholders in Ebonyi have commended the cashless policy introduced recently by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), saying it drastically reduced vote selling and buying, especially during the Presidential and National Assembly elections on Saturday.

The CBN had, on December, released redesigned N200, N500 and N1,000 notes into circulation.

The stakeholders commended the policy in separate interviews with NAN on Sunday in Abakaliki.

Mr Sylvester Madu, a Political analyst, said although the policy had played a significant part during the Feb. 25 elections, he is worried over the suffering of the masses from the policy.

He said that the level of vote buying was reduced drastically by the development.

“It is difficult anyway, because we have not gone cashless. But the aim is playing out. It was awesome during Saturday’s poll. No vote buying or selling,” Madu said.

Mr Paul Ejike, a Lawyer, commended INEC for the successful conduct of the elections and called for an improvement, especially in the area of shortage of ballot papers.

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“Yes, I am happy the nation’s political system is taking shape. We are no longer talking about vote buying. Of course, it was obvious during the Feb. 25 poll,” Ejike said.

Mrs Nkechi Livingstone, a Domestic Observer, also hailed the elections, describing Nigeria’s election process as growing.

“Even though the citizens are experiencing difficulties with the cashless policy, the good aspect is that it actually played a big role during Saturday’s Presidential and National Assembly elections.

“We are moving forward in our electoral system. I believe the country will also benefit from the positive gains associated with the policy,” she said.

Mr Alex Nwofe, a former Nigerian Ambassador to South Korea, lauded INEC over the conduct of the election.

Nwofe, however, advised the electoral body to urgently provide solution to the shortage of ballot papers, late arrival of its officials to polling units and other related problems.

“I believe Nigeria is getting it right in terms of election,” he said.