The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has said it will use covert and investigative operatives nationwide before, during, and after the December 2024 elections.

This is to help the office monitor, suppress, and repress election malpractices.

The announcement of this deployment was captured in its half-yearly report issued on July 11, 2024.

The OSP cautioned individuals responsible for vote counting at polling stations, collation centres, and during the transmission of election results to act with integrity.

It said that willfully falsifying vote accounts or making false returns is a grave offence.

According to the OSP, it wants to ensure the sanctity of the elections through the prevention, control, and repression of corruption, fraud, and unfair practices.

It referenced section 79 of the Office of the Special Prosecutor Act, 2017 (Act 959) and sections 256 and 258 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29) in the discharge of this operation.

“No person is permitted to influence the outcome of the elections through corrupt means,” the report said.

The report also indicated that influencing voter conduct through threats of harm or impersonating voters or electoral officers was unlawful.

It further warned the public that anyone found guilty of these acts will face a seven-year voting ban and be barred from holding public office or being eligible for election as the President or a Member of Parliament.