The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has begun a two day dialogue with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) operating in the North.

Speaking at the opening ceremony on Monday in Kano, the National Chairman of the Commission, Alhaji Mahmud Yakubu, said the dialogue was aimed at providing a synergy between the commission and the civil society organisations.

Represented by Prof. Anthonia Simbine, the national chairman said the dialogue would serve as a bridge between communities and the commission.

“The dialogue was organised to improve communication and to seek for ideas to enrich the electoral processes,” he said.

Yakubu urged the civil societies to collaborate with the Commission and proffer solutions to issues on vote buying, gender, persons with disabilities as well as under aged voting.

The chairman, however, expressed readiness to support and work with the CSOs to deliver credible, free and fair elections in 2019.

In her remarks, the representative of the European Centre for Electoral Support (ECES), Mrs Maria Theresa, pledged the continuous support of the centre in ensuring credible elections.

Theresa explained that civil society organisations have vital roles to play in the overall processes of elections in every democratic setting. (NAN)