INEC To Partner With Media For Free, Credible Elections
By Gloria Thomas, Abuja.
The National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists Mr Chris Isiguzo has reaffirmed the union’s commitment to partner with the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in the conduct of transparent, credible, and inclusive electoral processes.
Mr Isiguzo spoke at the first quarterly meeting between members of the media, and the National Chairman and leadership of the electoral commission while underscoring the importance of free, fair and credible elections in the advancement of Nigeria’s democratic governance. He stated that elections serve as the cornerstone of democracy, providing the mechanism through which citizens exercise their fundamental right to choose their representatives and chart the course of their collective future.
Isigozu said that the conduct of credible elections not only upholds the principles of democracy but also fosters national unity, stability, and progress. “It reinforces the legitimacy of our democratic institutions and reaffirms the people’s trust in the electoral process. Therefore, the responsibility entrusted to INEC to conduct elections with integrity and impartiality cannot be overstated”.
Commendation to INEC and Media
The NUJ President commended the unwavering commitment of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to upholding the highest standards of electoral integrity and transparency describing the commission’s dedication to ensuring that every vote counts and every voice is heard as a beacon of hope for Nigeria’s democracy.
Isigozu also commended the media for their “indispensable role as the watchdogs of democracy”.
According to him the media “plays a crucial role in informing, educating, and mobilizing the electorate, thereby facilitating the exercise of their civic responsibility. Your tireless efforts in promoting public awareness, scrutinizing electoral processes, and holding stakeholders accountable contribute significantly to the integrity and credibility of our electoral system” said Isiguzo.
He continued “I also commend INEC for sustaining this quarterly engagement with the media, recognizing the media as a key stakeholder in the electoral process. This platform provides an invaluable opportunity for dialogue, collaboration, and mutual understanding between INEC and the media, ultimately enhancing the transparency and effectiveness of our electoral processes”.
Chris Isiguzo called the media to recommit to the noble ideals of democracy, accountability, and civic responsibility and work together tirelessly to ensure that the forthcoming elections in Edo and Ondo states, as well as future elections, are conducted with the highest standards of integrity, fairness, and transparency. “Together, let us uphold the sanctity of the ballot box and safeguard the democratic aspirations of our nation. It is hoped that our collective efforts will pave the way for a brighter, more prosperous future for all Nigerians. Having become more like a family, we must carry forward the spirit of collaboration and dedication to democratic principles. Let us continue to work hand in hand, united in our pursuit of a more just, inclusive, and democratic society.
INEC’s role
The INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu said the consultative engagements have provided important suggestions and recommendations for improvement of the electoral process in Nigeria.
Mahmood stated that in the discharge of its responsibilities to organize, supervise and conduct elections in addition to other electoral activities, the commission carries out its functions under electoral seven sub-heads: general elections, bye-elections, off-cycle elections, supplementary elections, re-run elections, referendum and recall. “Only last month, the Commission conducted 48 elections made up of 9 bye-elections and 39 re-run elections in 26 States of the Federation involving three Senatorial Districts, 17 Federal Constituencies, and 28 State Constituencies spread across 8,934 Polling Units in 575 Wards located in 80 Local Government Areas with a total of 4,904,627 registered voters. I have said repeatedly that there is no election season in Nigeria any longer. Elections are held regularly and all year round between one general election and another.
Prof Mahmood announced that by the Timetable and Schedule of Activities released by the Commission in September last year, the Edo Governorship election will hold on Saturday 21st September 2024 while that of Ondo State is scheduled for Saturday 16th November 2024.
“For Edo State, 18 political parties conducted their primaries monitored by the Commission. Going by the provision of the Timetable for the election, political parties have 20 days from 4th March 2024 to upload the list and personal particulars of their candidates to our dedicated web portal. As of this morning, 10 parties have done so. We expect the other parties to comply before the deadline of 6 pm on Sunday 24th March 2024 when the portal automatically shuts down. A week later on 31st March 2024, the Commission will publish the personal particulars of the candidates (Form EC9) as required by law. I urge the media and the general public, particularly registered voters in Edo State to scrutinize the bio-data and credentials of the candidates which is the essence of the publication as provided by law”.
He also informed the media that concerning the Ondo State governorship election, political parties will commence their primaries in the next two weeks. “At the moment, 17 out of 19 parties have indicated interest in participating in the election. I urge media organizations to engage with political parties as well as their aspirants and report on the primaries with the same diligence and depth you report on the main election conducted by INEC. Doing so will go a long way to strengthen our democracy since only the products of the party primaries are ultimately placed on the ballot paper for citizens to vote for in the main election. Party primaries are as important as the main election conducted by INEC”.
INEC and the media
According to the INEC Chairman, in today’s information technology age, the reality of fake news and misinformation is instant and on a global scale and because INEC does not believe in censorship, greater openness and transparency will be emphasized as the best antidote to fake news. “It is in furtherance of this policy that the Commission interfaces regularly with stakeholders through our regular consultative meetings. We appreciate our partnership with the media and I want to reassure you that INEC will continue to work closely with you. We welcome your reports, commentaries and analyses on elections in particular and electoral activities in general. More specifically, some of the innovations introduced by the Commission to improve service delivery to the electorate, ensure the safety and security of journalists and grant them unimpeded access to various locations during elections and electoral activities draw from your reports as well as the suggestions and recommendations made during our quarterly meetings. I urge you to continue to be a bulwark against fake news and misleading narratives about the Commission and its activities”.
The quarterly meeting afforded the media representatives the chance to interact with the INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu. Questions were asked and grey areas were cleared, all to ensure a greater synergy and stronger collaborations exist between the NUJ and INEC.
Emmanuel Ukoh
