By Chijioke Kingsley
Abuja (Sundiata Post) – The Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (INEC), has called for more robust partnership with the Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), aimed at promoting the Commission’s effort in the delivery of free, fair and credible elections.
INEC said genuinely participating in the Commission’s activities, CSOs can help promote public confidence in the electoral process by observing and monitoring elections, ensuring that the process is transparent and fair, rather than playing the Devil’s advocate.
Speaking recently in a quarterly consultative meeting with CSOs in Jos, the Plateau State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Oliver Agundu, re-echoed the group relevance in ensuring that elections exercise reflects the will of the people.
According to him: “INEC will continue to partner with CSOs, especially those who are genuinely committed in building synergy and promoting collaborative efforts in ensuring the delivery of credible, fair, transparent and inclusive elections.
“We must acknowledge the efforts of those CSOs who are genuinely committed in enhancing every effort towards credible elections and who also see that partnering with INEC is something that mutually enriches, especially in respect to our respective core mandates.
“But we must also call out some CSOs who see only negativity and projection of shortcomings in the activities of INEC as their winning point. Our task and responsibility should be to straighten each other to deliver on their core mandate rather than taking pride in playing the Devil’s advocate”, Agundu said.
He Continued: “As an electoral body, we must reiterate the fact that INEC recognises CSOs as key stakeholders whose valuable contributions in deepening Democracy cannot be overemphasized.
“As you know CSOs are organized voluntary non-state institutions which mostly operate on a non-profit basis. They act as the connecting link between state and society.
“In our country, we recognize the support of CSOs, especially their advocacy for landmark electoral Reforms. We equally note the role of CSOs in strengthening the Commission’s non-partisan status and reinforcing our resolve to create a level playing field for all political parties and contestants in the political process”, he said.
Our correspondent however reports that the group should emphasize more on voter’s education by collaborating with INEC to educate voters on the electoral process, voting procedures, and the importance of active participation in every election cycle year.
“CSOs can hold INEC accountable for its actions, ensuring that the commission remains impartial and transparent in its decision-making”, our correspondent said.
