'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER– In his opening remarks at the induction retreat for new Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs), the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, emphasized the need for continuous innovation and solutions to address the recurring challenges faced by the electoral body. The retreat, held at the Marriot Hotel in Ikeja, Lagos, brought together various stakeholders, including national and resident commissioners, development partners, and media representatives.
Prof. Yakubu highlighted the importance of the retreat as not just an induction for new appointees but as an opportunity to review performance, discuss innovations, and engage with lawmakers on critical areas of reform. He noted that the retreat is part of a series of similar events organized by INEC over the past two years, aimed at improving the commission's organizational capacity and service delivery.
Identifying several persistent issues, Prof. Yakubu called for a focus on mitigating pre-election and post-election litigations, enhancing voter education, improving strategic communication, combating fake news and misinformation, and promoting inclusivity in the electoral process. He emphasized the need for leveraging technology in election processes, addressing political party crises, and improving the recruitment and training of election duty officials.
In addressing these challenges, Prof. Yakubu proposed several solutions:
1. Enhanced Voter Education: Developing more effective voter education campaigns to ensure voters are well-informed about the electoral process and their rights. This includes utilizing multiple media platforms and community engagement strategies to reach a broader audience.
2. Strategic Communication: Strengthening INEC's communication strategy to combat misinformation and disinformation. This involves working closely with media partners and employing real-time fact-checking mechanisms.
3. Inclusivity in the Electoral Process: Implementing measures to ensure all eligible voters, including marginalized groups, can participate in the electoral process. This includes making polling units more accessible and ensuring voter registration processes are inclusive.
4. Leveraging Technology: Integrating advanced technologies in pre-election activities and Election Day processes to enhance transparency and efficiency. This could involve digital voter registration systems and electronic voting methods where feasible.
5. Operational Improvements: Addressing logistical issues through better planning and resource allocation. This includes timely distribution of election materials and ensuring adequate training for electoral staff.
6. Legal Reforms: Engaging with the National Assembly to push for necessary legal reforms that will strengthen the electoral process. This involves advocating for changes that will address identified gaps and improve overall electoral integrity.
Prof. Yakubu also acknowledged the support of Development Associates Inc. (DAI) and the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) in organizing the retreat and their commitment to a transparent and inclusive electoral process in Nigeria.
As the retreat continues, participants are expected to engage in solution-oriented discussions, leveraging their experiences and expertise to propose actionable steps that will enhance the credibility and inclusivity of future elections.
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