.jpeg "Imo governor: INEC collaborates with and teaches 40 CSOs in voter education")
The call was issued by Prof. Sylvia Agu, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), during a one-day capacity building workshop organized by the Commission for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in anticipation of the upcoming election.
Professor Agu emphasized the Commission's dedication and preparedness to guarantee a free, fair, and credible election. He stressed the importance of collective cooperation from all stakeholders in order for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to achieve positive outcomes.
She expressed that it is acknowledged in a sincere manner that independent efforts are insufficient. Therefore, our initiative aims to provide you with the necessary resources and support to undertake voter education and sensitization activities in certain local government areas.
There is optimism over the potential for a higher voter turnout in the upcoming election, as it is believed that the electorate will gain a deeper understanding of the significance of election day proceedings, the importance of minimizing invalid votes and electoral violence, and the value of upholding the sanctity of human life.
Furthermore, it is anticipated that you take into account the negative repercussions of vote buying while engaging with the populace, with the aim of liberating them from the influence of unscrupulous political opportunists who employ manipulative tactics for their own self-interest.
It is imperative for the electorate to actively engage in safeguarding their votes through cooperation with security personnel and election authorities at the polling unit level. This collaborative effort is crucial in ensuring the realization of an election that is characterized by freedom, fairness, credibility, transparency, and safety.
According to The Guardian, over forty Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) involved in voter education have been actively involved and provided training by the Commission. Their main objective is to conduct sensitization programs and seminars in various council areas of the state. The aim of these initiatives is to improve the legitimacy of the upcoming election.
Several civil society organizations (CSOs) were identified, including the National Council for Women Societies (NCWS), the Community and Youth Development Initiative (CYDI), the Women for Positive Peace Building Initiative (WOPPI), and the DICCAN Empowerment Foundation.
Some of the organizations are the Northern Patriotic Front, the Peace and Civil Obligation Development Initiative, the Kamara Initiative for Civic Education, the Data Desk for Social Development, and the Alliance for Africa (AfA), among others.