Ondo poll: EU, IPC ask INEC to build citizen’s trust

The European Union Support for Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EUSDGN) and the International Press Centre (IPC) have called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to foster public trust in the electoral process by prioritizing transparency and timely, accurate communication. This joint appeal was made during a two-day workshop held in Ikogosi Ekiti, Ekiti State, focused on “Effective Communication in the Electoral Process: Communicating with Empathy and Expertise.” The workshop aimed to prepare INEC staff in Ondo State for the upcoming governorship election scheduled for November 16, 2024.

Organized by the IPC in collaboration with DAI and the Centre for Media Society, this workshop is part of EUSDGN’s efforts to enhance Nigeria’s electoral process. Lanre Arogundade, the Executive Director of IPC, spoke on behalf of the organizing team, emphasizing that building citizens’ trust in INEC is essential for ensuring that elections are regarded as credible. He stressed that this trust can be cultivated through effective messaging that is accurate, timely, and easily accessible.

Arogundade stated, “Transparent communication is vital for establishing trust with voters, ensuring they are informed about the electoral processes and addressing any concerns they may have.” He highlighted findings from their work that indicated a significant level of mistrust towards INEC among the electorate. “If INEC engages effectively with the public, they can potentially restore that trust. Trust is crucial,” he added.

He further advised that without trust, any actions taken by INEC might still be viewed skeptically. “INEC in Ondo State must recognize the perception crisis and proactively address it to instill confidence in the electoral process,” he noted. Arogundade also urged political parties involved in the forthcoming election to adhere to the rules to maintain peace, warning that candidates whose supporters engage in violence would be held accountable.

Additionally, he encouraged registered voters in Ondo State to actively participate in the electoral process. “It is your duty to elect the government you desire. If the majority abstain from voting, the minority will determine your future for the next four years,” he cautioned. He also warned against vote buying, stating, “No amount offered to buy your vote can resolve your problems. Voters should resist inducements and vote based on their convictions.”

Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Ondo State, stated that the workshop would enhance the communication skills of INEC staff and positively affect public confidence. She assured participants that INEC is committed to conducting a credible, free, fair, and transparent election where every vote will count.

“We are prepared and actively engaging in voter education through various methods, including mass media and grassroots mobilization,” Babalola explained. “We are collaborating with civil society organizations who are on the ground creating awareness. We have conducted several workshops with different groups, including security agencies, youth, women, and persons with disabilities.”

Babalola mentioned that the Bi-modal Verification Accreditation System (BVAS) machines are ready and will begin configuration next week. “The BVAS will automatically upload results from polling units to the INEC election result viewing portal,” she added.

She urged voters to come out on election day and reiterated the importance of not selling their votes. “Selling your vote jeopardizes your future for short-term satisfaction. We also want voters to be aware that agencies are actively working to prevent vote buying,” she concluded. Babalola confirmed that INEC has distributed non-sensitive materials to various local government areas and is expecting to receive the remaining materials for distribution later this week.