With the successful conclusion of the update of the voters Register and distribution of the Permanent Voters Cards (PVC) to the electorates, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed its readiness for the governorship elections holding in Kogi and Bayelsa States in November and December respectively.
National Commissioner, Ambassador Lawrence Nwuruku, who gave the assurance at the Commission’s headquarter in Abuja, also confirmed that there are sufficient Smart Card Readers for the elections, warning the candidates to concentrate more on educating their supporters instead of planning to engage in electoral malpractice.
With the deadline for submission of list of candidates, CF002, and personal details, CF001, for the positions of Governor and Deputy Governor scheduled for November 14 and October 7 for Kogi and Bayelsa States respectively, the Commissioner further reassured of their readiness to surmount the little challenge of procurement of the pending non-sensitive electoral materials this week.
It could be recalled that the Commission recently disclosed that it has issued letters of accreditation to 50 organisations that will monitor the elections in both States, explaining that it comprises 43 local, 7 foreign observers.
In a letter issued recently, the commission noted that among the foreign observers are the British High Commission, the United State Embassy, Abuja, the European Union, the African Union and the International Republican Institute as well as National Democratic Institute and the International Foundation for Electoral System.
Measures in place for the election
Every measure needed to organise a fruitful and good election has been put in place and I want to assure Nigerians that on the part of INEC, we are very much set for the election.
As you know very well, we have ensured that the voters’ registers in the two states have been updated. The PVC and Smart Card Readers for the elections were all ready for use however, there are certain procurement we would want to take delivery this week but they are none sensitive electoral materials.
We have also perfected arrangements with the security agents for the elections. I would however want to add that you can never claim perfection when it comes to election. Election is like a moving vehicle that frees the compacted passengers. As we approach the dates, we will still adjust and re-strategize for the D-day.
Use of incidence forms
We have certainly made provisions for incidence forms should the Smart Card Reader fails to function. The Card Reader authenticates and authorises the voters but where it fails, the Incidence Forms will be used.
Composition of National commissioners
Let me use this opportunity to enlighten Nigerians expressing anxiety over the composition of the national Commission. I want to say that there is nothing illegal in conducting election without replacing the retired ones. It is not illegal even if it is only person remaining.
He can still conduct any election. The rules say one third of those members available can conduct election. As it is now, one third of those available are one member because those that are available are two. That is way the rule has been interpreted.
Reducing election petitions
If the truth must be told, some of the politicians try to chase shadow. With what we have put in place, it is increasingly very difficult to rig the elections. With the voters register, Smart Card reader, PVC among others election security measures in place, I can tell you that it is now difficult to rig the elections.
All I can advise the candidates and parties is to educate their voters very well so that they can vote participate and vote wisely. The candidates should ensure that the voters and supporters get enough orientation on how to vote.
It gives us concern that most of the ballot papers are voided because they did not vote correctly. Any candidate who takes the pain to educate his or her supporters to vote wisely will likely emerge winner. Educating the voters is far much better than giving people money to rig the election for them.
His fears for Kogi and Bayelsa elections
In all sincerity, my major fears have to do with the concern of security. From the security reports, we all know that Kogi is very volatile just as we know of Bayelsa.
I want to however assure that we will perfect out security arrangements to ensure that nothing untoward happened before, during and after the elections. With the collaborations we have with the security agencies, we are going to make sure that there will be no security breach for the elections.
Perhaps, I would use this opportunity to appeal to anybody or group planning to ferment trouble to have a rethink because they would have themselves to blame. We are going to make the polling booths very volatile for them.
Retraining of the adhoc and main staff.
