…undergoes Pre-election Workshop In Abuja
From David Onuoja, Abuja
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has threaten to withdrawn, any election monitoring Observers who violate the established Code of Conduct during Edo and Ondo forthcoming governorship election.
Mr Sam Olumekun, who is the National Commissioner and Chairman, Election and Party Monitoring Committee (EPMC), gave the warning during a workshop organized for Edo and Ondo Election Observers at the Commission’s headquarters, Abuja today.
He said, “your accreditation may be withdrawn at any stage of the election process, if it is established that your organization is violating the Code of Conduct for observers as contained in the Guidelines for Election Observation available on INEC website.
“Another serious issue with election observation which has been of concern to the Commission is the issue of integrity in Election observation. While there are trust worthy, honest, and hardworking observers, there are others who displays laxity about election.
“However, as accredited Observer Groups, you will be allowed access to observe all the election processes as outlined in the Commission’s Reviewed Regulations and Guidelines for the conduct of elections (available at INEC website: www.inecnigeria.org).
“Your organization is required to obtain access code (Accreditation Number) and number of field observers to be deployed from Election and Party Monitoring (EPM) Department, to enable you process the online submission of your field observers on LGA-by-LGA basis by completing the required Forms online.
“You are to do this by uploading the names and passport photographs of your field observers to enable the Commission issue them with Identity Cards.
Hon. Sam Olumekun told them that, the training is to enable Observers, ‘accredited observer groups’, to be well acquainted with the online processes of uploading field observations, the functionality of BVAS, codes of conduct of election observation, election day processes and procedures as well as other operations, innovations and preparations of the Commission towards the forthcoming elections.
“The Commission appreciates your role as very important stakeholders in the electoral process and acknowledges your contributions in enhancing democratic principles in Nigeria.
“Therefore, we urge you to endeavour to submit credible reports within the stipulated time line. It is also the Commission’s expectation that the outcome of your observation will consolidate democratic principles in the years ahead”, he expressed.
