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INEC vows to stop Edo, Ondo polls if …

…launches result viewing centre

Anthony Iwuoma

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), on Thursday, vowed not to go ahead with the governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states, in September and October, respectively, if political actors perpetrate actions that result in breakdown of law and order.

INEC National Commissioner and chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye, stated this, in Abuja, after a meeting with stakeholders on some issues, including arrangements for the upcoming polls.

He noted the Commission’s deep concern over the escalating levels of violent actions and provocative statements by the political parties, candidates and their supporters, in the run-up to the elections, a situation that could lead to suspension of the electoral exercise.

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His words, “These actions include destruction of opponents’ campaign materials, such as billboards, violent campaigns and use of offensive language.

“It is important for political parties, candidates and their supporters to keep in mind that there are extant laws and regulations that must be adhered to, during campaigns.

“The commission will not shirk its responsibility to enforce the rules of the game.

“Consequently, parties and candidates must, on no account, underestimate the resolve of the commission to enforce the rules and regulations and apply appropriate sanctions against those who choose to break them.

“The commission remains determined to conduct peaceful elections in the two states and in the outstanding National and State Assembly bye-elections.”

Meanwhile, INEC has initiated and dedicated a public election result viewing portal, called INEC Result Viewing (IReV), which will afford Nigerians the opportunity to view polling unit results in real time, at the end of voting ends on Election Day.

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Okoye explained that the introduction of IREV was necessitated by the need to further reinforce its election management procedures and improve transparency of the system.

He added that the IREV would be first deployed during Saturday’s Nasarawa Central State Constituency bye-election in Nasarawa State.

Okoye announced, “To further strengthen the transparency in the election result management system, the commission has decided to introduce a dedicated public portal, IReV that will enable Nigerians to view polling unit results real time as the voting ends on Election Day,”

However, he warned: “The commission wishes to emphasise that this does not constitute electronic collation of results. The collation of election results shall remain as provided for by law, a manual process of completion of relevant result sheets and their upwards collation until the final results are determined.”

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