*Releases Rules For Ondo, Says Digital Protocols To Be Followed In Elections
By Hamilton Nwosa(Head, The New Diplomat’s business and data tracking desk)
The chief electoral umpire in Nigeria known as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has unveiled its guidelines and protocols for the conduct of the tension-soaked Edo governorship elections sche duled to hold on September 19, this year.
Similarly, the INEC also announced the guidelines for Ondo States governorship elections and subsequent elections throughout Nigeria including pending senatorial elections coming up in Bayelsa state, Cross River state, Plateau state, Imo state, among others.
It would be recalled that the All Progressives Congress (APC) had earlier reportedly adopted the direct primary model to select its candidate for the gubernatorial election in Edo and Ondo states slated for September 19, and October 10, respectively.
Recall also that the party had similarly scheduled its primary for June 22, 2020 with respect to Edo state and July 20, 2020 for Ondo state. The scheduled party primary in Edo state has consequently intensified the raging war of words between supporters of Edo state governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki and loyalists of his immediate predecessor who is also the national chairman of APC, comrade Adams Oshiomhole.
In both cases, the APC which is the ruling party in both states have reportedly adopted the direct primary model, a development which has prompted Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, a former governor of Edo state and one- time national chairman of APC to raise objections.
But Oyegun’s kick has been assailed by a virulent opposition from an army of Oshiomhole’s loyalists who accuse the former party chairman of being a footman of Edo state governor. However, the PDP, and other political parties are yet to unveil their own models for selecting their governorship candidates.
Earlier today, the INEC while unveiling its protocols for conducting the governorship polls in both states explained that based on the powers conferred on it by Section 160 (1) of the 1999 Constitution(as amended), it has the authority and overall powers to determine, originate or impose instruments or responsibilities on any lawful officer or institution for the purpose of carrying out its constitutional functions as defined in the constitution.
According to the INEC, the electoral body is also authorized by Section 153 of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) to design, maintain, and issue regulations, guidelines and manuals for the purpose of giving effect to the provisions of the Act as earlier indicated.
Consequently, the INEC which rolled out a 17 page documents signed by its Chair, Prof. Manhood Yakubu, stated that the commission will as quickly as possible commence the process of reviewing existing electoral regulations, guidelines and manuals for elections given subsisting changes and dynamics occasioned by the current global pandemic.
According to Prof Yakubu, INEC would comply with protocols which envisage that all pre-election preparations are conducted digitally, and when it becomes only absolutely imperative for a face-to-face procedure, the designated COVID-19 protocols as defined and outlined by WHO and NCDC, would be followed through.
According to experts, the implication of this, is that all nomination forms would be uploaded on INEC website and candidates would accordingly obtain and submit same electronically without physically appearing in persons.
According to the Commission, the electoral body would also soon embark on an immediate examination of its key election facilities and instruments in Edo and Ondo states and other jurisdictions where elections are to hold to ensure that they are in perfect alignment with the latest dynamics occasioned by COVID-19.
These dynamics include Polling Units (PUs), Registration Area Centres (RACs) and Collation Centres which would be assessed to ensure they sit pretty well with covid-19 health protocols and related logistical considerations.
The electoral body maintained that in its logistical preparedness and delivery of all electoral materials, due consideration shall be given to the fact there is need to follow COVID-19 protocols and avoid much physical contact as much as possible in order to protect the health and lives of citizens involved in all aspects of the electoral process.
The commission further explained in detail; “Ballot Papers and result sheets (Sensitive Materials) shall be packaged to Registration Areas (RAs). Production of Sensitive Materials shall commence early to give adequate time for proper packaging and delivery.
“The COVID-19 pandemic is likely to adversely affect staffing for elections. Consequently the Commission will engage immediately with NYSC and INEC State Offices to evolve modalities for corps members to serve as ad hoc staff in elections during the pandemic. The Commission’s State offices will commence identification of alternative sources of ad hoc staff in line with Commission policy, in case there are shortfalls…
“INEC will ensure the use of electronic and non-contact means to recruit ad hoc staff by deploying its INEC Pres portal, as well as in notifying ad hoc staff of invitations and postings (for example, use of SMS) to prevent large gatherings at INEC offices during staff deployment.
“The Electoral Operations and Logistics Department (EOPs) will harvest all past ad hoc staff from its databases and send to each State preparing for elections.
“All ad hoc staff databases in the Commission will be harmonized for better management. To reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19, the Commission shall reduce to a minimum interstate ad hoc staff, for off-season and bye elections. The rule shall be that only shortfalls requested by the States are filled from outside the state. As much as possible, all election staff will be sourced in-state and transportation of election staff shall comply with COVID-19 containment protocols…”
“There shall be a reduction in the number of passengers per vehicle on election day from 14 to 7 for buses, and from 12 to 6 for boats. Motorcycles and tricycles must be used sparingly with one passenger per motorcycle and two per tricycle. All passengers and drivers must wear face masks and it shall be mandatory and the responsibility of vehicle owners to provide hand sanitizers for occupants of their vehicles”.
Recall that in Edo State, supporters of both Governor Godwin Obaseki and his immediate predecessor , comrade Adams Oshiomhole who is the national chairman of the ruling APC have been locked in heated power tussle for the soul of Edo state.
The situation in Ondo state is equally fierce as most APC combatants have massed up in a seeming war with sitting Governor Rotimi Akeredolu who has been accused of lack of political tact and maturity in managing the gathering coalition against his re-election bid.
