The Importance of Off-Cycle Governorship Elections
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, recently emphasized the significance of off-cycle governorship elections in Kogi, Imo, and Bayelsa states. These elections are crucial for the democratic process and the future of these states.
Professor Yakubu stated that INEC is committed to engaging with all stakeholders, including civil society organizations and security agencies. This engagement is essential to ensure the safety of individuals involved in the elections and the protection of the entire electoral process, from polling units to collation centers.
Civil society organizations have expressed concerns about accessing voting and collation locations in previous elections. Professor Yakubu assured these organizations that INEC will continue to work with security agencies to grant them unimpeded access. This ensures that observers can effectively monitor the elections and promote transparency.
All accredited observers were reminded to strictly adhere to the code of conduct for election observation. This code ensures that observers maintain neutrality, professionalism, and respect for the electoral process.
To prepare for the upcoming elections, INEC conducted a mock accreditation exercise in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi states. This exercise involved actual voters and helped identify any potential issues or areas for improvement.
The off-cycle governorship elections in Kogi, Imo, and Bayelsa states are critical for the democratic process. INEC is committed to engaging with stakeholders, ensuring access to voting and collation locations, and upholding the code of conduct for election observation. These efforts contribute to a fair and transparent electoral process.
