Edo guber:KDI Urges INEC to Enhance Contingency Planning for Transparent Elections

By Abubakar Yunusa

Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to strengthen its contingency planning and adopt automated systems to improve the efficiency and transparency of future elections.

In a statement addressing the recently concluded 2024 Edo State off-cycle governorship election, KDI highlighted key challenges and proposed measures to enhance Nigeria’s electoral process.

The organization urged INEC to develop robust protocols for unforeseen circumstances, such as heavy rainfall, which disrupted voting processes during the election. By doing so, INEC can ensure that external factors do not delay election timelines. KDI also emphasized the need for automated result collation systems to minimize human error and increase transparency.

Additionally, KDI called for a thorough audit of ballot papers, particularly in areas affected by adverse weather, to determine if environmental factors contributed to a higher number of rejected votes. Such an audit would help identify mitigation measures to prevent similar issues in future elections.

KDI expressed concern over the widespread vote buying and electoral malpractice observed during the election. The organization stressed the importance of collaborative efforts between electoral stakeholders, security agencies, and civil society to combat vote trading.

Strict enforcement of electoral laws and timely prosecution of offenders under Section 121 of the Electoral Act 2022 were also recommended as critical steps to safeguard the integrity of future elections.

The statement further highlighted the role of the media in documenting illegal activities on election day, which could serve as credible evidence for prosecuting offenders and deterring future electoral misconduct.

KDI called for prompt and fair prosecution of individuals involved in ballot box snatching, vote buying, and thuggery, urging that failure to do so would embolden others to engage in electoral violence.

Strengthening the verification of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) was another key recommendation by KDI, as it would ensure that only legitimate voters participate in the electoral process. This, they noted, would reduce the chances of fraud and increase public confidence in elections.

KDI also called on political leaders to promote peaceful elections by discouraging violence among their supporters. They emphasized that peace is essential for the development of Edo State, urging voters and all stakeholders to work together to create a secure and democratic election environment.

KDI reaffirmed its commitment to working with stakeholders to improve Nigeria’s electoral integrity and continue monitoring post-election developments to promote reforms and strengthen democratic systems.