INEC trains election observers ahead of Edo, Ondo governorship polls

 INEC trains election observers ahead of Edo, Ondo governorship polls

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja 

Ahead of the upcoming Edo and Ondo governorship elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has organized a pre-election training workshop for accredited election observers. 

The event which took place at the Commission’s headquarters on Wednesday was chaired by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Election and Party Monitoring Committee (EPMC), Sam Olumekun. 

Addressing the participants, Olumekun emphasized the significance of the workshop, noting its role in ensuring observers are well-prepared for the elections scheduled for 21st September and 16th November 2024 in Edo and Ondo, respectively.

He highlighted the importance of familiarizing the observers with the new online processes for uploading field observers, the functionality of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), and the overall election day procedures. 

According to him, the training aims to enhance the observers’ understanding and adherence to the election guidelines, thereby contributing to a transparent and credible electoral process.

Mr. Olumekun acknowledged the critical role of observers in promoting democratic principles in Nigeria. He announced that 153 Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) had applied for accreditation, out of which 134, including 124 domestic and 10 international groups, met the required standards. 

The accredited groups encompass gender-based, disability-focused, faith-based, and other organizations with relevant experience in election observation.

“The forthcoming Edo and Ondo Governorship elections are being conducted as off cycle elections (that is, elections conducted outside the regular electoral cycle of the country) due to the end of tenure of the governors of the two States.

“By our records, a total of 153 applications were received from interested Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) for the two elections. After review and assessment as provided by our Regulations and Guidelines, 134 groups (124 domestic and 10 international) met the requirements for accreditation.

“The classification of the accredited groups showed that 28 are gender based, 3 represent persons with disability, 8 are faith based, 10 international and over 100 others working in areas relevant to the functions of the Commission. 

“Most of these Organizations possess previous experiences of election observation. A few however, have been granted observation for the first time to offer them opportunities to observe the processes of election and enable them contribute their quota in assessing and improving democratic principles.

“As accredited Observer Groups, you will be allowed access to observe all the election processes as outlined in the Commission’s Reviewed Regulations and Guidelines for the conduct of elections (available at INEC website: www.inecnigeria.org). 

“Your organization is required to obtain access code (Accreditation Number) and number of field observers to be deployed from Election and Party Monitoring (EPM) Department to enable you process the online submission of your field observers on LGA-by-LGA basis by completing the required Forms online. You are to do this by uploading the names and passport photographs of your field observers to enable the Commission issue them with Identity Cards,” Olumekun stated.

The Commissioner stressed the importance of integrity in election observation, urging accredited groups to maintain high standards and submit credible reports promptly. He also warned that any violation of the code of conduct by observer groups could lead to the withdrawal of their accreditation.

 “I need to however bring to your attention that your accreditation may be withdrawn at any stage of the election process, if it is established that your organization is violating the Code of Conduct for observers as contained in the Guidelines for Election Observation available on INEC website. Again, you are to be reminded that the accreditation of your organization to observe the elections is without financial obligations on the Commission.

“Another serious issue with election observation which has been of concern to the Commission is the issue of integrity in Election observation. While there are quite a number of trust worthy, honest, objective, hardworking and credible observer groups in the Country and who have contributed greatly to deepening democracy and the electoral process in Nigeria over the years, there are still others who have continued to display laxity about election observation and have cared less about integrity of the entire process.”

Earlier in her welcome address, Barr Hauwa Habib reiterated the importance of election observation and the need for observers to stay updated with the latest rules and regulations. She noted that the Commission’s selection process ensures that only registered and credible organizations are accredited. 

Habib highlighted the necessity for observers to be well-trained and committed to their roles, as their reports significantly impact the election process and the implementation of recommendations.

Despite the importance of the training, Habib expressed concern over the low attendance, urging more active participation from the invited groups. She emphasized the need for timely and accurate reporting, as well as adherence to the Commission’s guidelines to ensure the effectiveness of the election observation process.

“From the records available to us at the Commission it is noticed that some of you will need to update your records with the CAC. The importance of observers as stakeholders in the development of election processes and procedures and we urge your group leaders to select observers who are interested in the job and properly trained to ensure that there observation and reporting are in line with the guidelines of the Commission.

A good number of you have submitted good reports with pictures. However, a greater number have submitted reports that cannot be said to be properly reported. The implementation of your recommendation has gone a long way in the processes and procedures of doing election. For instance, the aids used for PWDs, racks centres to assist  election day logistics among others,” Habib noted 

The workshop concluded with a call for the observers to ensure their contributions enhance the democratic process and further consolidate democratic principles in Nigeria.