Politics
By Anayo Ezugwu
AS Nigeria prepares for governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has said that it will engage with the National Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, and other health authorities to develop relevant messaging on COVID-19 and the electoral process. The commission said it would combine face-to-face engagements with stakeholders and with online meetings.
In a policy document titled “Policy on Conducting Elections in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic,” the commission noted that where the former is used the necessary COVID-19 prevention protocols shall strictly apply. The document signed by Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, chairman, INEC, stated that the commission has designed effective messaging with requisite COVID-19 content for its activities and changes to the electoral process.
“Make extensive use of radio and television broadcasts in several languages on COVID-19 and the electoral process in a manner that balances the health risks of the pandemic and the civic responsibilities of Nigerians. Expand the channels available to citizens to reach the commission with their concerns and suggestions, such as the citizens’ contact centre, MyINEC App, etc.
“Conduct extensive grassroots enlightenment, using strategies that fully incorporate the COVID-19 prevention protocols. In its voter education and publicity activities, focus particular attention on new and young voters, women, and persons with disability in order to ensure a more inclusive electoral process.
“Include accessibility features and closed captioning during its online engagements in order to carry along persons with disability. Create an online platform for accrediting media organizations and journalists, who wish to take part in electoral activities,” it said.
The commission said it would create e-platforms for the accreditation of observer groups and deployment of their field observers, submission of nomination forms by political parties for candidates, tracking and reporting of campaigns and campaign finance by/for candidates and political parties, submission of party agents lists by political parties and engagement with stakeholders (consultative meeting with political party leaders and briefing of observers).
– May 26, 2020 @ 13:09 GMT |
Tags: INEC to engage NCDC over Edo Ondo governorship elections
