ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has stressed on the importance of professionalism and competence among election personnel for the success of elections.
Yakubu conveyed this on Monday, in an address honouring the former Director General of The Electoral Institute, the late Prof. Abubakar Momoh, in Abuja ahead of the Edo and Ondo off-cycle governorship elections scheduled for September 21 and November 16, 2024, respectively.
The focal point of this year’s lecture was “The 2024 off-cycle elections: Achieving professionalism among election personnel through effective training in preparation for Edo and Ondo states governorship elections.”
Yakubu, represented by the Chairman, of the Board of Electoral Institute, Prof. Abdullahi Zuru, hinted on the necessity for election personnel to be knowledgeable, skilled, and equipped to handle the complexities of the electoral process.
He stressed also that effective training was crucial in fostering a high level of professionalism among election officials.
“The success of any election largely depends on the professionalism and competence of those responsible for conducting it.
“Therefore, this lecture which is organized in memory of the former Director General TEI, the Late Prof, Abubakar Momoh, could not have come at a better time, considering that the Edo and Ondo off-cycle governorship elections are around the corner, having been scheduled for September 21, 2024 and November 16, 2024 respectively.
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“It is important that our personnel for these elections are knowledgeable, skilled, and well-equipped with relevant competencies to handle the complexities and challenges of the electoral process,” he said.
Yakubu said that professionalism was essential for maintaining the integrity of the democratic process and ensuring voter confidence, which in turn affects voter participation and turnout.
The INEC chairman emphasised that voters should be treated with respect, adding that any unethical or corrupt practices by election officials would result to severe punishments.
He outlined key principles for election officials, including integrity, impartiality, transparency, professionalism, gender and disability sensitivity, and consideration for vulnerable groups.
The chairman stated, “Hence, a high sense of professionalism amongst election personnel engendered by effective training cannot be over-emphasised.
“The manner, in which they discharge their duties and responsibilities, affects the degree of confidence voters will have in the electoral process, which will impact their participation and turnout.
“To ensure the credibility and trustworthiness in our elections and build trust among the electorates, it is imperative that we prioritise the professional development of our election personnel.”
He added that to achieve these standards, INEC was committed to comprehensive and interactive training programs for its staff and trainers.