By Gift Olivia Samuel, The Sight News
ABUJA: The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has assured Nigerians that it will provide a level playing field in the forthcoming Edo and Ondo Governorship elections.
The INEC Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Mr. Rotimi Onyekanmi, made this known on Monday at the International Press Centre (IPC) & Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals of Nigeria (ACSPN) Webinar.
Onyekanmi, emphasized that INEC is not interested in the outcome of the elections but the credibility of the process.
According to him, “It is the duty of INEC to provide a level playing field, we are not interested in the outcome of the elections but the credibility of the process, to ensure that materials get to the polling unit in good time”.
While stating that the webinar will draw attention to the very important issues associated with the coverage of the elections, he said that INEC is ready for the elections and is determined to conduct the elections, despite difficult circumstances they have found themselves, adding that they look forward to a very good election on the 19th of September 2020.
Furthermore, the Chief Press Secretary noted that INEC will make use of its new Policy on Conducting Elections in the Context of the Covid-19 Pandemic, as well as Regulations and Guidelines will also apply.
Speaking on the relationship between security agencies and the media, he assured that the experience this time around will be a good one as the grey areas in relation to security agencies has been taken care of.
“Regardless of the not-so-pleasant experiences Journalists might have experienced with security agents during elections in the past, they are rest assured of a good experience this time around”, he said.
He appealed to Journalists to be fair and objective in reporting the Edo and Ondo elections, as what they report will have lasting effect on the conduct of elections and the democratic process in Nigeria.
“We are grateful for the synergy and we will continue to work together. I assure you that the experience will be different”, he stated.
Speaking further, he noted that, “INEC is not permitted by law to disqualify political parties from participating in the Edo Governorship election, but Section 26 of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) gives the Commission the power to postpone an election if there is reason to believe that a serious breach of the peace is likely to occur if the election is proceeded with on the appointed date”.
The webinar had the theme: “Edo/Ondo Elections: The imperative of Safety Consciousness and Conflict Sensitivity in Media Coverage and Reportage”.
