From Geoffrey Anyanwu, Enugu
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), yesterday, reassured people of the South East of its resolve to conduct and deliver free, fair, rig-proof and credible elections in 2023.
INEC gave the assurance at the capacity building workshop for voter education providers in South East zone in Enugu, saying it was doing everything possible for sustainable democracy in Nigeria, which only credible election would guarantee.
Its Administrative Secretary in Enugu, Nwafor Chidi, who stated this said: “The essence of effective and efficient electoral process cannot be over emphasised as it constitutes delivery of successful election in this 21st century and technology age. Hence, the need for an efficient, effective and seamless communication through various voter education service providers, in an electoral process.”
He said the workshop had come at a time when it became important to address the rising scourge of voter apathy, especially with collection of PVC ongoing.
Nwafor who was represented by the HOD, Voter Education and Publicity, Achumie Rex said the training would “embolden our groups of interest, give them desired knowledge and confidence to participate more robustly in the election process.”
While charging participants to pay full attention and contribute their diverse experience from their various field of studies to the discussions, he expressed the commission’s appreciation to their development partner, the UNDP for putting together the enlightenment and inspiring workshop.
One of the facilitators and former Director in INEC, Osaretin Imahiyereobo, whose paper looked at the definition, principles of voter education, setting goals and planning, using the right tools, crafting the appropriate messages, and using the right tools, noted the centrality of voter education in the electoral process.
“Consistence elections avail citizens with the opportunity to express their conscience and settle on the direction of the government. To access this opportunity and to take decisive decisions, however, voters must be informed about the intent of the elections, procedures, and dates of elections, voting privileges and requirement. This range of activities falls within the domain of voter education and the strategies employed to achieve it,” he said.