Table of Contents
- Level Playing Ground for All Political Parties
- Stakeholders Involved in the Election
- Inclusivity for Persons with Disabilities
- Security Measures for the Election
- Preparedness of Stakeholders
Stakeholders in the upcoming governorship election in Anambra State have committed to providing a fair environment for all political parties and their candidates in the poll scheduled for November 8.
The stakeholders, which include the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), heads of various security agencies in the state, and representatives from the media, made this commitment during a live television discussion organized by TAF AFRICA, a non-governmental organization funded by the European Union.
The event, themed "Stakeholders’ Preparedness for a Disability Inclusive Governorship Election in Anambra State," also included discussions on effectively incorporating individuals with disabilities into the electoral process.
INEC was represented by the State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Queen Elizabeth Agwu, who assured that the Biometric Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) would be used for the election, and that results would be uploaded in real-time, avoiding any issues related to network failures.
She stated, “We have conducted five elections in Anambra since I became the REC, including state assembly, senatorial, and presidential elections. We have taken the necessary time to prepare thoroughly. Election integrity is crucial; if not managed correctly, it can lead to significant issues. As of today, we are fully prepared and have all materials ready.”
“The election materials include both sensitive and non-sensitive items, along with our ad hoc workers. We have received a complete shipment of non-sensitive materials such as booths, bags, inks, boxes, and others, which have been distributed to the various local governments.”
“We have utilized BVAS in the last five elections we conducted here without any failures, but we have additional units on standby in case of any issues. Results will be updated in real-time, ensuring a smooth process. We successfully uploaded results even in 2023 when other states faced challenges. I am confident there will be no issues with BVAS, as we will be utilizing multiple networks to prevent any connectivity problems.”
Regarding the inclusivity of the election, Agwu emphasized, “We strive to be very inclusive, ensuring that persons with disabilities are actively involved in the electoral process. They are individuals deserving of equal treatment in voting and as ad hoc staff. However, they must be ready to participate, as this is a matter of rights, not merely compassion.”
“In this election, we have 16 political parties, and none will receive preferential treatment from us. We want the election to be meaningful. We do not want the people of Anambra to remain at home, engaging in other activities, and then claim the election was predetermined.”
“Historically, voter turnout has been low, but we urge the public to trust us and come out to vote. By choosing to stay home, you are allowing the wrong candidate to win. Under my leadership, the election will be fair; do not remain at home and claim it has already been decided as it often is.”
The public relations officers of the Anambra State Police Command and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Messrs Tochukwu Ikenga and Edwin Okadigbo, assured that their personnel are prepared to ensure security during the election and promote an inclusive electoral process in the state.
Okadigbo remarked, “We have trained our personnel on how to utilize assistive tools for individuals with disabilities, and we will ensure their needs are met to make the upcoming election truly inclusive.”
Jake Epele, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of TAF AFRICA, stated that the discussion was vital to assess the level of preparedness among all stakeholders involved in the election process.
He assured that the organization, supported by the European Union, will continue to engage stakeholders effectively.
What measures are being taken to ensure a fair election in Anambra State?
Stakeholders, including INEC and security agencies, have pledged to provide a level playing field for all political parties and candidates, ensuring transparency and fairness throughout the electoral process.
How will the election be inclusive for persons with disabilities?
The election will include measures to ensure that individuals with disabilities can participate fully, both in voting and as ad hoc staff, with the necessary tools and support provided for their involvement.
What technology will be used to ensure the integrity of the voting process?
The Biometric Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) will be deployed for the election, with real-time results uploading to ensure transparency and accountability, minimizing the risk of network failures.
