The Ondo State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola, has hailed the commitments of some stakeholders towards ensuring credible, free and fair election in the forthcoming governorship election in the state.
Babalola who stated this in Akure, the state capital, on Monday, during the technical training for Electoral Officers and Assistant Electoral Officers (Operations) ahead of the Ondo election.
According to Babalola, the synergy from various stakeholders indicated steadfast commitment towards enhancing electoral processes in the country and also to strengthen the nation’s democracy.
She commended the Electoral Institute (TEI) and the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) for organizing and sponsoring this training of the Electoral Officers (EOs) and Assistant Electoral Officers (AEOs) in preparation to the forthcoming 2024 Ondo State governorship election.
She noted that “the task before us is significant, as election remains the heartbeat of any democratic society. It provides the platform through which the people express their collective will and chart the governance course.
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“As we approach the 2024 Ondo State Governorship Election, our duty transcends just conducting an election but ensuring that such election is free, fair, credible, transparent, and inclusive,
While speaking on the training, the REC said the the Electoral Officers, and the Assistant Electoral Officers have significant role to play in the election
“Your roles are central to the success of the election, right from the Pre-election activities to the election activities and the Post-election activities.
“You have a greater role in ensuring that every vote is cast and counted within the framework of our laws in all your local government coverage.
“Every task you undertake, no matter how small, contributes to the overall success of the election. I cannot overemphasize the importance of your impartiality, professionalism, and vigilance.
“Let me further remind you that election management, as you know, is a complex and multifaceted process that requires careful planning, timely execution, and the ability to adapt to unforeseen circumstances.
“I do not doubt that this technical training will equip you with the crucial skills and knowledge to perform your duties effectively”
She said “a team of seasoned facilitators will guide you through interactive sessions, case studies, and practical exercises on various aspects of election management, which include polling and counting procedures, collation and transmission of results, and deployment of technology to improve the efficiency, transparency, and security of the process. Your proficiency with these tools is essential.
“This training will ensure that you are equipped to handle these technologies effectively and troubleshoot any issues that may arise.”
He urged to approach the training with open mind saying, “the task ahead is challenging but not insurmountable.
“With the right tools, knowledge, and mindset, I am confident that we will deliver an election that meets both national and international standards of excellence and best practice”
While speaking, the Director General of the Electoral Institute (TEI), Dr. Sa’ad Umar Idris, said the Capacity Building Workshop for Electoral Officers is part of preparation towards ensuring that the Ondo governorship election is credible, free, fair, inclusive and acceptable to all.
Idris who was represented by the Director of Training, Dr. Binta Kasshim, disclosed that the Commission has unveiled several technological innovations towards a credible election in the country.
She listed the innovation developed by the TEI to include, the introduction of BVAS, IRev, EOSC, EMSC, INEC-Sans, PFRAS, INEC-PRES, CSRVS to enhance the electoral process.
“One of such innovations is the INEC e-school which provides a flexible training platform where Election personnel take courses at their convenience irrespective of location and their study progression is managed at The Electoral Institute.
“The Training BOT is another interactive online Tutor and the Training Reporting and Coordination Tool is also developed and designed for quality control to ensure that officials trained are those deployed for Elections.
“As Officers at the forefront of Commission’s engagement with stakeholders, especially the ad-hoc personnel, this workshop will no doubt serve as a tool to sharpen your diverse competences in the task of administering training and in general elections at the local government level,” she said
She urged the participants to make good use of the training to unlearn outdated, learn the new innovations and reinforce old but relevant knowledge to equip them all for the big assignment before them.
NIGERIAN TRIBUNE