The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has stated its preparedness to conduct the Edo and Ondo States governorship elections.
This was disclosed by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), Sam Olumekun. Represented by the Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Mary Nkem, Olumekun gave the update on the election during a press briefing in Abuja on Friday.
Speaking on the readiness of the Commission, Olumekun emphasized the importance of the media in the conduct of the elections.
He described media as not only as a conveyor of information but also as a key player in the democratic process. Particularly during elections.
The National Commissioner, however, called for integrity in media reportage of the two off-cycle elections.
He said, “Preparations have reached an advanced and critical stage. And this is due to the importance placed on the role of the media in elections.”
“The Commission has left no stone unturned. These efforts are to guarantee that this election will be conducted with the highest standards of integrity.
“We are intensifying our engagement with stakeholders at both the State and Local Government levels. While voter education is ongoing on all fronts.
“The training of security personnel has been completed. And the training of electoral officers will be finished in September 2024.
“The Commission is finalizing arrangements with the land and marine transport unions.
“The printing of voter registers for each of the 4,590 units in those States is virtually completed. The installation and deployment of election materials are also completed.
“On Tuesday, September 10, 2024, the Commission will meet with other stakeholders to monitor voter accreditation in selected areas in Edo State.
“On September 11, 2024, the Peace Accord will be signed by all stakeholders. This will be under the supervision of the National Committee, chaired by General Abdulsalami Abubakar. It’s a busy period for us, as you can see.
“Media accreditation opened on Monday, July 8, 2024, and closed just yesterday, the July 24, at 12:30 PM.
“We will publish the list of organizations accredited for the election. And share it on all our social media platforms.”
Olumekun also warned journalists against reporting fake news. Emphasizing that misinformation could harm the electoral process, especially in the digital age.
He said, “The Commission has taken proactive steps to combat this menace. Part of which is being open and transparent in all areas, which the Commission has always done.”
“We have made it a culture to constantly update the public through you, the media.”
Additionally, the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Mr. Rotimi Oyekanmi, offered recommendations to the media to help avoid the spread of fake news.
Oyekanmi reminded the media that their role is enshrined in the 1999 Constitution. He, therefore, stressed the importance of journalists understanding INEC’s election result management processes.
The CPS urged the media to comply with the Nigerian media code of electoral coverage, emphasizing fairness and objectivity.
He, therefore, advised the media to always cross-check facts and figures, noting that breaking news with falsehoods is futile.
source: Daily Post
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