INEC banks on BVAS, e-transmission as rigging-proof
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Osun and Ekiti governorship ballot success stories last year will be repeated and expanded nationwide in the general election this year, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has pledged.
INEC gave the assurance at the Election Monitoring and Support Centre (EMSC) Amber Zone Implementers Workshop for 2023 General Elections, organised by INEC in collaboration with Development Alternatives Incorporated (DAI) and European Union Support for Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EUSDGN).
Lagos Resident Electoral Commissioner Olusegun Agbaje stressed the EMSC is a proactive measure to reduce challenges during elections.
He said besides the constitutional responsibility and obligation of the INEC to conduct free, fair, credible and hitch-free election it must demonstrate its ingenuity, capability, commitment, and determination to ensure vote credibility.
“It’s crystal clear that all eyes are on INEC, Nigeria’s electoral umpire, concerning the conduct of the much-anticipated 2023 general elections,” Agabaje said.
“It is, therefore, imperative that all hands must be on deck to support and avail preparations that are in top gear for a resounding success in the forthcoming general elections.
“The Commission cannot just afford to fail because the consequences would be too grave to contemplate.”
Mohammed Kuna Special Adviser to INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu, reiterated the importance of the workshop to overall health of the electoral process, and declared preparations have begun in earnest.
“This training provides us at both HQ [headquarters] and state levels, an opportunity and the necessary tools to have clear assessment of the readiness statuses, as well as to have total control over all planned activities,” he said.
“Doing so frees up more time to deal with unplanned or unanticipated events that may arise during the elections.”
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Successful ballot comes with meticulous processes
Kuna stressed an election holds in a day but activities leading to it are numerous and involve crisscrossing responsibilities that must be shouldered by all, according to reporting by The Guardian.
“Each has a role to play, and no role is too small in the effort to do this. We have done this before in Ekiti and Osun.
“We can do it again by meticulously monitoring implementation of the 2023 general elections in the remaining days to identify gaps, assess risks and provide overall leadership and guidance to the entire range of ad hoc staff in the field.
“Identified gaps must be filled and emergent risks addressed so that voters can come out on Election Day to cast their votes for their preferred candidates. The Commission has promised Nigerians the best election it has so far conducted.
“It is a national responsibility, it is a national obligation. I trust that both will be creditably undertaken and fulfilled with utmost care and dedication.
“The EMSC will help you in the performance of these tasks. I urge you to pay close attention to the sessions.”
