The Independent National Electoral Commission INEC has advised all accredited observers to strictly adhere to the code of conduct for election observation in the November 11, off-cycle Governorship elections in Kogi, Bayelsa and Imo States.
Speaking at the quarterly consultative meeting with Civil Society Organisations(CSOs) in Abuja, Chairman of the Commission, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu stated that the Commission has so far accredited 145 organisations who will be deploying 7,896 observers for the elections.
Yakubu however allayed the fears of the CSOs over their concerns on the issue of security, assuring them of the safety of all persons that would participate in the elections and the protection of the process.
The INEC Chairman also promised that the Commission would intercede with security agencies to grant CSOs unhindered access to voting and collation centers during the elections.
.
The INEC Boss affirmed that in discharging its responsibilities, the electoral umpire will continue to engage with all stakeholders, including security agencies both at the national and state levels, in preparation for the elections.
“Election is a multi-stakeholder activity. In discharging our responsibilities, we will continue to engage with all stakeholders. One of such engagements is with the security agencies.
” In previous elections, civil society organisations have expressed concern about the safety of persons involved in elections as well as the protection of the process, including polling units and collation centres.
“Similarly, civil society organisations have on several occasions urged the Commission to intercede with the security agencies to grant you unimpeded access to voting and collation locations.
“I want to reassure you that we will continue to do so as we engage with the security agencies both at the national level and in the three States. At the same time, I wish to remind all accredited observers to strictly adhere to the code of conduct for election observation”, the INEC boss said.
In his remarks, representative of Justice and Equity Organisation, Tunde Bafunsho urged the electorates in Imo, Kogi and Bayelsa States to come out en-masse on election day, to perform their civic responsibilities by voting for their preferred candidates.
Bafunsho who expressed confidence in the electoral umpire’s preparations for the elections, reiterated INEC’s assurance of a safe and secure environment during the off-cycle elections in the three states.
He pledged that CSOs will continue to play their role and contribute their quota to the sustenance of credible election in the country.
Pro. Yakubu is expected to brief CSOs about the Commission’s level of preparedness for the Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi Governorship elections during the consultative meeting
