Ondo guber: INEC trains, charges voter education providers
AKURE: INEC Voter Education Providers have been enjoined to work tirelessly to increase voter education engagements towards ensuring that every eligible voter understands the importance of their vote, knows the processes involved and feels confident and safe to exercise their rights in the forthcoming governorship election in Ondo State.
INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner in Ondo State, Mrs Toyin Babalola, gave the advice at the capacity building workshop for Voter Education Providers in the state held at Grand Capital Hotel, Akure.
Mrs Babalola who was ably represented by Prince Toye Oyeyemi, HOD Voter Education and Publicity said that the role of Independent National Electoral Commission was not to just organise and conduct elections, but to ensure that every eligible citizen was empowered to participate fully in the electoral process.
Babalola added that the success of any election was not measured solely by the peaceful conduct on election day, but also by the inclusiveness, transparent and importantly the level of voter turnout.
The REC pleaded with participants to assist INEC by using their expertises and structures to combat misinformation, reduce voter apathy and increase participation.
“When voters are well informed it is obvious they would be empowered to make decisions that reflect their preferences and interest.
“Our goal is to mystify the electoral process making it accessible and understandable to all regardless of their educational background or status,” he said.
She urged the voter education providers to actively participate in the workshop and bring their experiences to the forefront as their contributions would be crucial in ensuring a free, fair and credible election.
Also speaking, Mr Robinson Enkeanyawu of the Vote Education Department, INEC Abuja maintained that the training became imperative in view of the closeness of the election in Ondo state and the need to ensure credible, free and fair election.
He pointed out that participants were drawn from various Civil Society Organisations (CSos) across the 18 local government Areas of the state and were expected to engage voters meaningfully the local government areas of assignment.
Also present at the workshop is Dr Tope Akanmu, Assistant Director Voter Education and Publicity INEC Ondo State who represented the INEC Administrative Secretary Alhaji Onikate Amosu.
Shadanpamareporters report that Ondo State Governorship election has been fixed for Nov. 16.
Nineteen political parties have field candidates to participate in the election billed to hold in all the 18 local government areas of the state.
