The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has charged its staff members to resolve all conflicts that may arise in the field during October 10, 2020, Ondo State governorship election before it escalates to crisis.
Feyi Saseyi, the acting director, INEC headquarters, Abuja, made the appeal during a capacity building programme for heads of department, units, and electoral officers held on Wednesday, September 23, 2020, in Akure.
Saseyi explained that the peacebuilding programme was organised by the Alternative Dispute Resolution Directorate, INEC headquarters Abuja, in collaboration with the European Centre for Electoral Support, ECES.
She expressed confidence that INEC was ready to conduct a fair and conflict-free election in the state.
Saseyi explained that conflict could arise some times in the field during the electoral process.
She, however, stressed the need for INEC staff members to be empowered and equipped so that they could resolve any crisis before it could get out of hand.
“It has become imperatives for all INEC staff, especially those at the field during elections, to intervene when there is a dispute on the spot.
“Dispute may arise in many forms, staff should be equipped to intervene quickly so that dispute can be resolved before it degenerates into crisis,” she said.
Hamza Fassi-Fihri, ECES Project Coordinator, explained that conflicts and disputes were inherent in elections because of the competitive nature in any election in the country.
Fassi-Fihri explained that election had become very controversial, contentious, and people would want to win at all costs; so, naturally, there would always be a dispute.
Source: The Guardian
