Edo Guber 2024: INEC meets CSOs, PWDs, Calls For Active Involved In Election Process
From Imafidon OSAZUA (Benin)
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has called various Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and Persons living with Disabilities (PWDs) be actively involved in the coming governorship election processes.
The Edo governorship election is scheduled for September 2024. The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr Anugbum Onuoha, noted that the meeting was to familiarise himself with all the CSOs and PWDs in the state having just resumed as the REC in Edo.
Speaking further, Dr Onuoha said the commission would not leave any strata of the society behind as they prepare for the September governorship election hence the engagement between the commission and the CSOs and other groups.
He explained that inclusivity was part of INEC's mandate to ensure that all critical stakeholders were carried along in the electoral process and in the upcoming governorship election in the state.
He stated that the CSOs served as a link between the people and government adding that CSOs would help to strengthen public confidence in the electoral process.
He said: "The important role you play in our electoral process such as voter education cannot be over emphasised. So am happy that you are here today for us to strengthen our collaborations.
"I Urge all CSOs to be actively involved in the electoral process by following up all INEC's activities leading to the governorship election in September.
"Do not wait till September to get involved in the process, we want you to be involved in all our activities beginning with party primaries down to the conduct of the governorship election.
"Sadly, the CSOs are only interested in the election proper not the process leading to the election.
" I say this because you all were in this state when all the political parties aspirants were campaigning when it was not time for campaign according to INEC guidelines for the election. "
Non of you wrote a letter of observation to us or even condemn the actions of the political parties until we had to hold a press conference and several meetings with the political parties before they stopped.
"So this meeting is to encourage you to be actively involved as a major and critical stakeholders, "he stated Onuoha, who took time to explain INEC's preparedness ahead of the governorship election, said the commission had monitored party primaries and published form EC9C in all the local government areas and carried out trainings.
He disclosed that the next item on the time table was campaign that would commence on April 24 just as the commission was also ready to monitor the campaigns in the state.
He also enjoined the CSOs to detached themselves from politics and focus on its mandate of being the watch-dogs and sensitising the public on the importance of having a voters card.
Mrs Louisa Elkhomun- Agbonkhese, the Founder, Echoes of Women in Africa Initiative, commended INEC for the robust engagement adding that the CSOs were ready to collaborate with the commission for an improved quality election.
Elkhomun- Agbonkhese urged them to sanction any political party who violates the election guidelines, explaining that they have been carrying their civic duties.
