The Success or Failure of INEC in Edo Election Determines the Fate of Other Election - Dr. Afolabi

By Simeon OSAJIE

The Chairperson, Transition Monitoring Group (TMG), Dr. Abiola Akiyode - Afolabi has guaranteed Nigerians it readiness to transmit and send in their reports at near time to the TMG State Election Information Centre stationed at Randekhi Hotel, Benin City and further said that INEC success and failure in Edo Election will determined the fate of other Elections in Nigeria.

Addressing journalist in Benin, the Chairperson of the organization said, "At the designated times during Election Day, TMG observers will send in their reports at near real time to the TMG State Election Information Centre. This will allow us to share a truly and detailed impression of the conduct of Edo Governorship Election - what has gone well and the shortcomings, if any."

Dr. Afolabi assured that TMG has a network of over 200 active civic organizations and is the foremost independent civil society election observation group in Nigeria.

"TMG is a network of over 200 active civic organizations, is the foremost independent civil society election observation group in Nigeria. TMG in collaboration with Edo Civil Society Organization (EDOCSO) will deploy a total of trained and accredited 150 nonpartisan observers for the Edo Governorship Election.

"These observers who have been adequately trained will be deployed across various polling units in each of the 18 local government areas of Edo State in accordance with the "Declaration of Global Principles for Nonpartisan Election Observation and Monitoring by Citizen Organizations" as well as in accordance with the provisions of  2010 Electoral Act as amended and the INEC Guidelines.

"Throughout Election Day, TMG’s observers will closely watch the process and complete our election checklist provided by recording  answers to the questions on the conduct of the election (set up of polling units, accreditation and voting as well as counting of ballots). 

"At the designated times during Election Day, TMG observers will send in their reports at near real time to the TMG State Election Information Centre. This will allow us to share a truly and detailed impression of the conduct of Edo Governorship Election - what has gone well and the shortcomings, if any.

"Based on these reports, TMG will be able to analyse and make available its final report on the conduct of this election.

TMG therefore urges INEC to up its game and strictly play by the provisions of the Electoral Act while responding appropriately to issues as may occur as the election progresses. "INEC owes it a duty to all irrespective of their political affiliations, to be fair, impartial, and nonpartisan in its relations while creating a level playing field for all parties and contestants. INEC should walk the talk and put into practice the assurance given to the electorate and the nation that the election will be free and fair. No reason to fail," she concluded.