Anambra poll will be acceptable to all – INEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), yesterday, assured that the November 18 governorship election in Anambra State will not only be free, fair and credible, but that it would also be an enjoyable experience.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state, Dr. Nkwachukwu Orji, gave the assurance during the Election Management System (EMS) Implementer Workshop for the commission in Awka, the state capital.

He said the commission had put in place all necessary machinery to ensure the electorate cast their votes devoid of any form of hostility.

Orji said previous elections in the state were characterised by voter apathy as a result of various ugly experiences encountered by the voters.

“Our commitment is to go beyond just offering free, fair and credible election: that is guaranteed. What now needs to be added is to make the election enjoyable.

“People need to move around freely and comfortably and to cast their votes without any molestation or harassment and their votes must count.

“If you tell them that election would commence by 08:00am and end by 05:00pm, you must be sure to keep to the time. You must also guarantee early arrival of both officials and necessary materials.

“These are some of the major challenges that make voters reluctant to exercise their franchise which we are committed to addressing to make this election enjoyable,” he assured.

He described the EMS as a critical tool which the commission required to effectively manage field assets, resources, constituencies and chains of electoral activities in organising elections.