Stakeholders must collaborate for electoral success - Osun REC, Agboke

 

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Resident Electoral Commissioner in Osun State, Dr Mutiu Agboke has asserted that the success of any election is tied to the collaboration between security agencies, civil society organisations, political parties and the electorates.

Agboke also advised that to attain electoral success, there ought to be improved training and capacity building, better logistics and infrastructures, stronger collaboration with stakeholders, comprehensive voter education and regular town hall meetings.

The INEC made these assertions at a town hall meeting on electoral reform organised by the Peering Advocacy and Advancement Centre in Africa, PAACA on Thursday in Osogbo.

Agboke also advocated a continual building on the successes of the 2023 elections and addressing the identified challenges.

In his words, “As we look ahead to future elections, it is imperative that we build on the successes of the 2023 elections and address the identified challenges.

“Enhanced training and capacity building for electoral officials, security personnel, and other stakeholders to ensure efficiency and effectiveness in their roles.

“Improved logistics and infrastructure to ensure timely delivery of electoral materials and seamless operation of technological tools.

“Stronger collaboration with stakeholders. Comprehensive voter education.”

While assuring that INEC is committed to its responsibility of conducting free, fair, and credible elections as observed in the conduct of the 2023 General Elections, Agboke urged the participants to continue to work towards a brighter and more democratic future for the country.

In her address, the Osun State Director of the National Orientation Agency, NOA, Elizabeth Bola Morgan observed that the 2023 general elections were the best in the country.

“The 2023 Presidential and NASS Election were the best-organised elections in the history of INEC in recent times. This was due to the repeal of the Electoral Act No.6 2010 and the enactment of the Electoral Act 2022 to regulate the conduct of Federal, State and Area Council Elections, use of card readers, BVAS), and other technological devices in elections. Political party primaries provide a timeline for the submission of a list of candidates, criteria for substitution of candidates, limit of campaign expenses, and addressing the omission of names of candidates or logo of political parties.”