A coalition comprising 70 Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), operating under the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to prioritise transparency in the upcoming off-cycle elections in Kogi, Bayelsa, and Imo states.
This was conveyed in a statement signed by the convener, Mr Y.Z Ya’u and his co-conveners, Mimidoo Achakpa and Franklin Oloniju, News About Nigeria reports.
Emphasising the need for early distribution of election materials and personnel, the group also advocated for timely commencement of polls, priority voting, and accessibility for persons with disabilities (PWDs).
The Situation Room, deploying observers to monitor the elections, urged INEC to adhere to accreditation using the Bi-Modal Verification Accreditation System (BVAS) and upload polling unit results on the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) Portal.
In a preliminary statement, the Situation Room acknowledged the appropriation of N18 billion for INEC in the 2023 Supplementary Budget and stressed the importance of transparent and accountable elections.
Expressing concern over potential disenfranchisement due to violence, the group called on INEC to reconsider its stance on recording results for polling units affected by violence.
The coalition urged security agencies, political parties, and candidates to ensure professionalism, neutrality, and adherence to the Peace Accord, emphasising the significance of boosting citizens’ confidence in the electoral process.
The off-cycle elections are scheduled for Saturday, 11th November 2023, and the Situation Room called on all eligible voters to participate responsibly.
“Situation Room enjoins all eligible voters in Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi States to come out on Saturday, 11th November 2023 and fully participate in the process of electing a leader of their choice for their respective States. Situation Room calls on all election stakeholders to approach this election with every sense of responsibility and utmost respect of democratic standards,” the statement concludes.
