Edo Guber: INEC engages CSOs to conduct voter education for electorates

Ahead of the September 21, 2024 governorship election in Edo State, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has engaged the services of Civil Society Organizations as voters educators, influencers and advocates for free, fair, credible and peaceful electoral processes.

DAILY POST reports that Dr Anugbum Onuoha, the Edo State Resident Electoral Commissioner disclosed this at a one-day INEC dialogue with Civil Society Organizations and People with disabilities on peaceful participation of the electorate ahead of the governorship election in the state.

Onuoha, who said peace is a critical factor in any electoral process, noted that without peace elections would not be conducted.

While noting that CSOS are critical stakeholders in electoral processes, he added that the commission is collaborating with them to help educate the electorate on the need to conduct themselves peacefully before, during and after the election.

He said for the CSOs to be able to carry out their duty successfully they must detach themselves from active politics.

He, however, appealed to all stakeholders in the electoral process to help educate the electorate and mobilize the public on the need for them to vote during the election.

In her remarks, Mrs Hembadoon Akaayar, Assistant Director, CSOs, INEC, Abuja, opined that the partnership with the civil society has assisted the commission in shaping and improving its policies, ranging from expansion of voter access to polling units.

Akaayar, represented by Mr Bukar Maikwada, Head of Unit, programme, CSOs, Abuja listed other policies to include deployment of technology, provision of assistive materials for persons with disabilities and others targeted at the marginalized groups in the electoral process.

She added that the dialogue would provide the platform to interface and equip CSOs with the requisite knowledge needed to become better public influencers and ultimately guide the electorate on the best ways to ensure peaceful conduct of the Edo governorship election.

On his part, Timidi Wariowei, Head, Voters Education, Edo State, INEC office said the commission had engaged six CSOs to help it in conducting voter education in the three senatorial districts of the state.

Wariowei, who gave an update on the preparations for the Edo Governorship election, added that the commission has adequately prepared to conduct an election that would be credible, free, fair and violence-free.

He also added that the commission would be engaging the 18 CSOs across the 18 Local Government Areas in the state to help INEC educate and sensitize voters especially those at the grassroots on the need to exercise their civil responsibilities and franchise.

In his remarks, Bartholomew Okoudo, President of the Conference of Non-governmental Organizations, CONGOS, posited that civil society organizations play a crucial role in promoting peace.

Okoudo listed some of the contributions of CSO activities in electoral processes to include increased voter turnout, improved electoral credibility, reduced electoral violence, enhanced civil engagement, strengthened democratic institutions and promotion of peaceful democratic transitions.