The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Friday issued a stern warning to staffers taking part in Saturday’s governorship election in Kogi state.
The Commission warned them of the severe consequences awaiting them if found wanting in the discharge of their duties.
It also said it would guarantee a level playing field for all candidates and urged all stakeholders to join hands with it to make the election successful.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner for the state, Dr. Hale Longpet, who gave the warning in Lokoja during a press conference, insisted that no voter would be allowed to carry their phones into the polling booths while voting in order to curb the incidence of vote buying during the election.
“As we approach Election Day, I wish to call on our officials (both regular and ad-hoc) to demonstrate the highest level of patriotism and professionalism.
“As I said repeatedly, not least during my recent readiness assessment visits to the three states, INEC is not a political party and we have no candidate in the election.
“Our responsibility is to safeguard the process and ensure a level playing field for all political parties and candidates.
“The Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) has been configured for deployment to Polling Units as the only means of voter verification and fingerprint/facial biometric authentication of voters,” he said.
He said Polling Unit results would be uploaded to the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal.
“All election duty officials have been trained. Arrangements have been made for land and maritime transportation to enable us to commence voting on schedule.
“In spite of the extremely difficult terrain and physical infrastructure in some locations, we are determined to ensure that our officials are there waiting for voters rather than the voters waiting for our arrival.”
According to him, election is a multi-stakeholder responsibility and that lessons have been learnt from recent elections.
“We will continue to ensure free, fair and credible and inclusive elections but INEC cannot do it alone. We have received assurances from the security agencies that the environment will be secure for electoral activities and all participants: voters, electoral officials, accredited observers, the media and polling/collation agents.
“Political parties and candidates have signed the peace accord under the auspices of the National Peace Committee (NPC). Let us maintain the peace and play our roles conscientiously. By doing so, we shall continue to consolidate our democracy.”
