INEC PARLEYS JOURNALISTS AHEAD OF 2023 ELECTIONS
…….. Says INEC is determined to conduct free and fair elections.
…… INEC to train Journaliists
Oru Leonard
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has met with the INEC Press Corps in Abuja on Wednesday, March 2021.
INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC) Barrister Festus Okoye who led the INEC team in an interactive session with INEC Press Corps, reiterated the determination of the Commission to conducting a free and fair elections.
He noted that INEC has increased the use of technology in the conduct of elections which had about the successes recorded in the recently concluded elections in some states of Nigeria. Also, INEC has mapped out an elaborate plan on how to organise a free and fair elections in 2023.
“The Commission has embarked on elaborate plans on how to organise free and fair elections in 2023 and for this reason we will continue to deploy technology which has proved successful in few states including Edo Governorship Election”.
He disclosed that Anambra gubernatorial election will be conducted under the existing INEC Electoral Guidelines although technology will also be used like in Edo state, adding that the Commission has been consulting with all the stakeholders to ensure that everybody is on the same page.
“We have been in consultation with National Assembly, political parties, relevant agencies and National Economic Council (NEC), on the need for all to adopt the new INEC Framework which will solve many problems in the electoral system”.
He explained that the conversion of the Voting Points to Polling Units in the next General Election will enable more participation in the election, “When the new Polling Units are approved Nigerians of 18 years and above will have the opportunity to register and vote at Polling Units very close to them”. He stated.
Okoye indicated that it would soon commence training for its press corps going by the fact that media coverage in any election conducted by INEC is very crucial
He said the Commission will commence the training soon ahead of the 2023 general election and other bye-elections.
“Media coverage of the Commission activities is tedious task in many respects hence the way newly appointed Resident Electoral Commissioners (REC) learn on the job is the same way Press Corps learn how to cover the Commission”. The Commissioner stated
