Security personnel who will be detailed at the polling centres on election day are not supposed to take any food; drink or gift provided either by the Electoral Commission or the political parties at the polling centres. Speaking to the Times yesterday, the Director of the Police Public Affairs Directorate, Deputy Superintendent of Police Samuel Kwesi Ofori said that it was an offence for any officer to accept a gift or eat food provided at the polling centre other than what was provided by the National Election Security Task Force (NESTF). The NESTF has therefore made adequate provision to cater for all personnel on duty. The idea, he said, was to show the neutrality, fairness and transparency of the security personnel on the day of election. He noted that this caution is clearly spelt out under the general conduct of the election brochure for the security personnel. "Refuse gifts, presents, favours, gratitude or promises that could be interpreted as seeking to influence the security officer (s) in the performance of his or her official responsibility", he said. DSP Ofori said that this year's election is of crucial importance to the nation and with the presence of foreign observers and keen interest shown by the inter- national community, the security agencies would not do anything that would compromise their position or dent their image as peace makers. He appealed to the general public especially the electorate to comport themselves before and after the election by not doing anything to mar the process. DSP Ofori said that security personnel would be punctual on election day, be alert and also, treat everyone fairly at the polling centres. "The security personnel are supposed to be team players on that day, use minimum force only when necessary and are also expected to provide a responsible, effective and high-quality service with honesty and integrity", he said. Source: The Ghanaian Times