Electoral commission promises free, fair election on Nov 18
THE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has assured the electorate and aspirants of a level-playing field.
Speaking yesterday in Awka during the Election Management System (EMS) Implementer workshop organised by the commission, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Nkwachukwu Orji, gave the assurance to hold a free and fair election.
According to him, the EMS was a critical tool required to effectively manage field assets, resources, constituencies and chains of electoral activities during elections.
He said: “The commission had put in place all necessary machinery to ensure the electorate cast their votes in an environment devoid of any form of hostility. “Our commitment is to go beyond just offering free, fair and credible election. That is guaranteed. What now needed to be added is to make elections enjoyable.
“People need to move around freely and comfortably and to cast their votes without any molestation or harassment, and that their votes must count.
“If you tell them that election would commence at 8:00 a.m. and end by 5:00 p.m., 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.”