Center
By Ehigimetor Igbaugba
Calabar, June 26, 2024 (NAN) The International Press Centre (IPC) has lauded the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), for the high level of voter education, planning and technology deployed during the 2023 general election.
Mr Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director of IPC, gave the commendation on Wednesday while addressing stakeholders at a one-day multi-stakeholder dialogue in Calabar, Cross River.
Arogundade said there was a need to address the crucial issue of rebuilding trust in Nigeria’s electoral process in spite of the remarkable improvement noticed in certain areas during the 2023 general elections.
He, however, called on INEC to work towards improving the logistics challenges, voter’s participation, disputes and violence that usually characterise the country’s election.
“This dialogue is part of the European Union’s support for democratic governance in Nigeria, under the ‘component four’ (Support to Media) of the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria-Phase 2 (EUSDGN II) project.
“The Calabar event is the fourth dialogue of its kind following previous successful sessions in Abuja, Lagos, and Kaduna states.
“Building trust requires involvement from all stakeholders, and not just the INEC,” he said.
He urged participants to work together to ensure credible elections and increase voter participation in the next general election.
Prof. Takim Ojua of the University of Calabar, noted that electoral fraud and violence were long-standing issues in Nigerian politics.
Ojua who was the lead speaker at the event, said that rebuilding trust required a collective effort of every stakeholder.
On his part, the Commissioner of Police in Cross River, Gyogon Grimah, represented by DSP Igri Ewa, highlighted the role of the Police in maintaining law and order during elections.
Similarly, Mr Ken Bassey, representing the Trade Union Congress (TUC), emphasised the need for fair compensation for workers to reduce electoral fraud.
Participants included political parties, security agencies, civil society organisations and the media.
They discussed the need for improved voter registration, adequate training for electoral officials and effective collation and transmission of election results.
They also emphasised the importance of addressing the challenges of free and fair election in Nigeria through robust legal frameworks and effective enforcement. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
ESI/EMAF
========
Edited by Emmanuel Afonne
Leave a Reply