Chinedum Elekwachi
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reassured its commitment to delivering free, fair, transparent and credible election that would reflect the will of the people of Anambra.
It assured 99 percent readiness for the Nov.8, Anambra governorship election.
It also assured early arrival of electoral materials at polling units across the state.
INEC National Commissioner supervising Anambra and Chairman of the Tenders Board Committee, Dr. Kenneth Ikeagu, gave the assurance at a news conference .
Ikeagu said the commission will deploy about 24,000 ad-hoc staff across 5,718 polling units.
He said the commission has accredited about 540 journalists to cover the exercise.
According to him, the visit of the national team to Anambra was part of the Commission’s readiness assessment exercise, which began on Oct. 22.
“Since arriving in the state, the delegation has engaged in a series of pre-election activities.
“Which are monitoring of voter card collection, meeting with Electoral Officers, transport unions and the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES).
“We are overseeing the mock accreditation exercise held across selected polling units.
“INEC has completed almost every aspect of preparation for the governorship poll.
“Both sensitive and non-sensitive materials already produced and stored under secure conditions.
“Officials have distributed all non-sensitive materials to the local government offices.
“The Commission will deliver sensitive materials such as ballot papers and result sheets 48 hours before the election, in line with its standard protocol,” he said.
On logistics, Ikeagu said the commission has finalized all arrangements with transport unions and vehicle owners.
According to him, this will guarantee smooth deployment of personnel and materials.
“Sufficient vehicles, including boats for the riverine areas have been secured for mobility.
“The Commission has the resources and capacity to mobilize everything needed for timely commencement of voting.
“Under the new arrangement, all drivers, security officers and poll officials will spend the night before the election at the Registration Area Centres.
“This is to ensure early movement to the polling units by 7:00 a.m,” he said.
Ikeagu said 8.30am is the commencement of the election and warned that INEC would not tolerate any late arrival of officials or materials on election day.
“The Commission is working closely with all security agencies to guarantee peaceful and safe environment before, during and after the election.
“Security formations have already identified flashpoints across the state and additional personnel will be drawn from neighbouring states to complement local deployments,” he stated.
He acknowledging improved security situation in the state compared to previous election cycles.
The INEC boss appealed to residents to maintain peace, avoid conflicts and cooperate fully with security agencies to ensure smooth process.
“Security is everyone’s business. Citizens have equal role in preventing actions that could disrupt the poll,” he added.
On voter education, the Commission said there is improved sensitization, especially at the grassroots to reduce voter apathy and prevent misinformation.
He called for increased media support in disseminating accurate information about INEC’s activities.
On mock accreditation held earlier in the day, Ikeagu confirmed functionality of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) devices across all selected areas.
He also revealed that transport providers had signed binding agreements with the Commission, and any breach of contract on election day would attract sanctions.
The Commission also dismissed fears of cancellation or postponement of the election in any particular area or part of the state.
It said that voting will take place in all 5,720 polling units across the state, except two that have no registered voters.
