INEC canvasses for partners to build on success achieved so far
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Partners in election logistics, such as Action Aid and others, are needed to ensure the 2023 election is not disrupted by human or material inadequacies, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman Mahmood Yakubu has pleaded.
Yakubu made the plea at a meeting in Lagos organised by ActionAid Nigeria and the Ford Foundation to review logistics for the election.
He said INEC is determined to build on the successes in this year’s off-cycle elections in Ekiti and Osun to deliver election materials and early voting, disclosing 9 out of 14 items in the timetable and schedule of activities have been implemented.
His words: “Let me join our Resident Electoral Commissioner for Lagos State to welcome you once again to this very important meeting.
“Some of you here may recall that in 2018, the Commission organised a similar meeting with critical stakeholders ahead of the 2019 General Election.
“Logisticians, the security agencies, other agencies responsible for facilitating the clearance of election materials at entry ports such as the Nigeria Customs Service and the Niger Ports Authority, aviation agencies, the Central Bank of Nigeria, professional bodies such as the Chartered Institute of Transport and Logistics, training institutions such as the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology, the private sector such as banks and manufacturers, trade unions, civil society organisations and our development partners.
“The aim of the meeting was to review the perennial challenges associated with electoral logistics and how to address them.
“Since then, efforts have been made to improve electoral logistics and election administration in general.
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Continuous review and improvement of electoral process
“The Commission is determined to build on the successes recorded in the recent off-cycle elections in Ekiti and Osun States to improve on the delivery of election materials and the early commencement of polls.
“In this regard, we welcome the collaboration with Action Aid Nigeria and the development partners in organising this important meeting that has brought all the major players together to deliberate on this critical issue,” Yakubu said, per The PUNCH.
“The Commission is determined to continuously improve on our processes and procedures in order to give Nigerians a pleasant experience on election day.
“In achieving this goal, we need the support and partnership of all stakeholders.
“By your presence at this meeting, you have demonstrated your willingness to partner with the Commission and we are encouraged by such demonstration of support and commitment to the success of the electoral process as we continue to make steady progress in the implementation of our plans.
Implementation of election timetable
“So far, the Commission has successfully implemented 9 out of 14 activities listed in the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2023 General Election.
“You may recall that two weeks ago, the Commission published the final list of candidates for national elections (Presidential, Senatorial and House of Representatives).
“Today, the list of candidates for State elections (Governorship and State Houses of Assembly) will be published in all our offices nationwide and uploaded to the Commission’s website as required by law.
“For the Governorship election holding in 28 States of the Federation, the 18 political parties have nominated a total of 837 candidates and their running mates.
“For State Assembly constituencies, 10,240 candidates are vying for 993 seats.
“With just 143 days to the 2023 general election, this meeting is timely. With partnership and support from Action Aid Nigeria, we look forward to actionable recommendations that will ensure seamless logistics for the 2023 general election.”