The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reaffirmed its commitment to conducting a credible and transparent governorship election in Ekiti State scheduled for June 20. The commission confirmed plans to electronically transmit results to enhance public confidence in the electoral process.
Assurance from REC
The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Bunmi Omoseyindemi, gave this assurance on Monday during a press briefing in Ado Ekiti. He stated that preparations were progressing according to the commission's timetable. "The Commission has made substantial progress in its preparations, guided by our strategic election timetable and schedule of activities. We remain committed to conducting a free, fair, credible, inclusive, and transparent election in Ekiti State," he said.
Voter Participation and Candidates
Omoseyindemi urged eligible voters to participate peacefully, noting that 13 political parties have fielded candidates for the poll. He explained that INEC would deploy the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) for voter verification, alongside electronic transmission of results to the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV). "The commission will deploy the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System for voter accreditation and authentication. Election results will be transmitted electronically to the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) to enhance transparency," he added.
Security and Stakeholder Engagement
The REC further disclosed that the commission was collaborating with the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security to ensure a peaceful exercise. "Adequate security measures have been put in place to ensure a peaceful electoral process," he said. He added that INEC would continue engagement with stakeholders, including political parties, traditional rulers, civil society organisations, and the media, while intensifying voter education, particularly among women, youths, and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
Voter Education and Inclusivity
"We have deployed Civil Society Organisations to all local government areas to intensify voter education in order to encourage more people to participate in the electoral process. We should know that participatory democracy is essential for sustainable development. INEC has made provisions for PWD-friendly voting, including magnifying glasses, braille ballot guides, and priority voting. Gender inclusivity remains a key priority in our electoral process," he said.
Ad Hoc Staff and Materials
Omoseyindemi said recruitment and screening of ad hoc staff were ongoing, with training set to begin immediately after the process. "This is to ensure that all personnel are adequately equipped with knowledge of electoral procedures, including the use of BVAS and result management protocols," he said. He added that procurement of election materials was on track, with arrangements in place for secure distribution. "We are working closely with security agencies to guarantee the safe delivery of materials to all polling units," he added.
Voter Register and PVCs
The REC also disclosed that the final voter register was being compiled for public display, urging registered voters to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) once distribution begins. "No PVC, no voting," he stressed. He noted that a risk assessment conducted with security agencies had identified potential threats, including vote buying and political intimidation, with measures already outlined to mitigate them.
