The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has promised to ensure that election observers have unimpeded access to voting and collation locations.
Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman of INEC, made this statement on Wednesday during a quarterly consultative meeting with civil society organisations while speaking on the significance of the governorship elections scheduled for November 11 in Kogi, Bayelsa, and Imo states.
The Herald reports that Yakubu stressed that INEC would continue to engage with security agencies to make this possible.
He also urged accredited observers to strictly adhere to the code of conduct for election observation.
“Election is a multi-stakeholder activity. In discharging our responsibilities, we will continue to engage with all stakeholders. One of such engagements is with the security agencies.
“In previous elections, civil society organisations have expressed concern about the safety of persons involved in elections as well as the protection of the process, including polling units and collation centres.
“Similarly, civil society organisations have on several occasions urged the Commission to intercede with the security agencies to grant you unimpeded access to voting and collation locations.
“At the same time, I wish to remind all accredited observers to strictly adhere to the code of conduct for election observation
“Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi Governorship elections are critical to the Commission. At this meeting, we will fully brief you about our level of preparation. In return, we will appreciate your comments and observations.”
The chairman revealed that 145 organisations have been accredited to deploy 7,896 observers for these elections.
The INEC is committed to ensuring the transparency and integrity of the upcoming elections and will work closely with stakeholders to achieve this goal.