Joash Amupitan, chairman of the Impartial Nationwide Electoral Fee (INEC), has urged employees of the Fee in Anambra State to make sure flawless logistics and immediate graduation of voting within the November 8 governorship election, declaring that “the eyes of the world are on us.”
Amupitan gave the cost on Monday throughout a gathering with INEC employees on the Fee’s State Workplace in Awka as a part of his closing working go to forward of the polls. The go to adopted a sequence of readiness assessments throughout the state and coincided with the signing of a Peace Accord by political events earlier within the day.
Describing the assembly as a “household gathering,” the INEC Chairman careworn that the credibility of the election relies upon largely on the conduct and professionalism of employees in any respect ranges.
“There should not be logistics failure. The eyes of the world are on INEC, on the Resident Electoral Commissioner, and on you, the Electoral Officers,” he warned. “Voting should start at precisely 8:30 a.m. in all of the 5,718 polling models throughout the 21 native authorities areas. That’s non-negotiable.”
He directed that each one election supplies should depart the Registration Space Centres (RACs) no later than 6:00 a.m. on election day, with all automobiles, drivers, and safety personnel deployed to their designated factors the night time earlier than.
“For those who don’t must sleep on Friday, don’t sleep,” he stated. “The primary signal of a reputable election is that it begins on time. We is not going to permit any delay in Anambra.”
The INEC boss disclosed that the Fee had concluded preparations with the Inspector-Normal of Police for sturdy safety protection, together with the deployment of over 45,000 police personnel alongside different safety businesses.
He famous that coaching for Supervisory Presiding Officers and Presiding Officers had been accomplished, whereas urging employees to promptly report any rising challenges by means of official communication channels.
Prof. Amupitan reminded employees of their constitutional obligations, stressing that their self-discipline, integrity, and diligence would decide the credibility of the election.
Turning to end result administration, he cautioned officers to deal with Kind EC8A with utmost care, describing it as “the pyramid of votes in Nigeria.” He urged presiding officers to make sure outcomes are accurately recorded, stamped, and signed, and that figures align with BVAS accreditation knowledge.
“Ignorance of the legislation is just not an excuse,” he stated. “Any discrepancies have to be corrected transparently consistent with the Electoral Act. We can not afford errors that undermine public confidence.”
On inclusivity, the Chairman reaffirmed that INEC had prolonged the gathering of Everlasting Voter Playing cards (PVCs) within the state and made provisions for Individuals with Disabilities (PWDs) to encourage participation.
Expressing concern about declining voter turnout in Anambra, Prof. Amupitan appealed to employees to assist mobilise voters.
“In 2013, turnout was round 25 %. In 2017, it dropped to about 20 %, and within the final election, solely about 10 % participated. That’s not acceptable,” he stated. “We should restore confidence within the course of.”
He additional warned in opposition to malpractice in logistics administration, revealing that INEC would audit all transport preparations after the election.
Learn additionally: INEC reaffirms readiness, pledges credible, inclusive Anambra governorship election
“If an election fails to begin on time, the Electoral Officer in that native authorities must clarify why,” he acknowledged. “Anybody discovered to have compromised the method shall be held accountable.”
Prof. Amupitan stated the Fee would recognise excellent efficiency by native authorities groups whereas sanctioning those that fall brief.
“Excellence have to be rewarded, and negligence is not going to be tolerated,” he stated.
The INEC Chairman concluded with a name for professionalism and dedication, describing the Anambra governorship ballot as a defining take a look at for the Fee.
“Anambra is a microcosm of Nigeria,” he declared. “No matter occurs right here will echo throughout the nation. Allow us to show that INEC can ship a reputable, peaceable, and clear election that strengthens democracy.”
