The Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) has reiterated that the 2023 Electoral Process would be strictly technology driven.
The National Commissioner of the Commission in charge of Information and Voter Education Mr Festus Okoye, made the statement at the commission’s zonal engagement with identified youth groups, on the role of youths ahead of the 2023 general elections, in Awka Anambra State.
The INEC Commissioner who is also in charge of the South-East Zone explained that the Youth Engagement Programme was part of the Commission’s fourteen-point election scheduled programmes designed to ensure youth consciousness and inclusiveness in the electoral process describing them as a formidable force for democracy.
Mr Okoye noted that over 1.4 million ad-hoc election staff has been engaged by the Commission for the conduct of the 2023 general election, and, had secured an insurance policy for them against hazards of the election if there be a possible attack. He warned that punishment for the act of electoral offence against electoral officers has been made stiffer in the current 2022 Electoral Act as amended, than the provisions in the previous 2010 Electoral Act.
He, therefore, advised any ad-hoc staff who might not be ready to resist the temptations of election rigging antics, to withdraw from the exercise.
Earlier, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, in charge of Anambra state, Dr Queen Elizabeth Agwu while emphasising the importance of the youth engagement programme regretted that some of the Nigerian Youths are being used by unscrupulous elements who see them as mere tools to be manipulated for their selfish agenda during electioneering period and highlighted the inherent dangers of such activities.
In her Goodwill Message, the NYSC state coordinator Mrs Blessing Iruma through her representative reaffirmed their readiness to partner with INEC for the successful conduct of the election but called for adequate transportation, security, and improved welfare for corps members during their election Adhoc work.
Stakeholders who spoke at the occasion, threw their weight behind INEC promising to assist in ensuring the successful conduct of the General Election through grassroots enlightenment campaigns and mobilizations.
The event was attended by civil society organizations, youth groups, and members of NYSC.
N.O
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