INEC: We’ll Transmit Anambra Election Results Online

•Jonathan supports electoral commission on e-transmission

•IG says police won’t tolerate any sit-at-home during poll

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), yesterday, declared that the November 6 governorship election result would be transmitted electronically real time.

The commission, therefore, urged Nigerians to log in to view the results of the election online.

Curiously, however, INEC seemed to have secured an uncommon support on the e-transmission of results debate as former President Goodluck Jonathan has said the bid to introduce more electronic means in the conduct of elections would enhance the electoral body’s processes in the conduct of free and fair elections.

But the Inspector General of Police, Alkali Baba Usman, has assured the people of adequate security during the election, adding that the threat of sit-at-home by any group would not be allowed during the election.

INEC chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, who spoke at a workshop by journalists covering the commission with the theme: “Inclusive Elections in Anambra State and Beyond”, was represented by INEC’s National Commissioner in charge of publicity and Chairman, Voter Education, Festus Okoye.

Reading the address of the INEC chairman, Okoye said, “The Commission will also use its new technological device to upload polling unit level results to its central result viewing portal. Nigerians that have access to internet facilities can log in and view the results as they are being uploaded. For this, we have commenced elaborate voter education and publicity activities in the state.

“The Commission will also deploy relevant and appropriate technology for the conduct of the Anambra State Governorship election. To this end, the Commission will deploy the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) for the accreditation of voters.

“The bimodal accreditation system will use fingerprints or facials for efficient voter accreditation. Therefore, those engaged in identity theft must steer clear of the polling units in Anambra State as only voters that are properly authenticated using their fingerprints or facials will be allowed to vote,” Yakubu stated

He explained that out of the 14 items listed in the said Timetable and Schedule of Activities, the Commission had implemented eight and on October 7, 2021, the Commission wouldpublish the Official Register of Voters and the Final List of nominated candidates, bringing the total activities already implemented to 10.

Yakubu, who gave details of the Anambra governorship election, said the state has a total of 21 local governments, 326 registration areas (Wards), 5,720 polling units and 2,447,996 registered voters.

He said the number of registered voters would definitely increase with the end of the first phase of the Continuous Voter Registration Exercise and the display of the said Register for Claims and Objections.

He also said based on the figure of completed registrations released by the commission on September 20, 2021, a total of 138, 795 registrants completed their registration and that thefigure might decrease after the cleanup of the said register.

“As you are aware, on the 23rd May 2021, the commission’s facilities in its Anambra State office were attacked and destroyed. The Collation Centre was burnt, stores housing over 326 generating sets and the generating sets were burnt. Six utility vehicles were set ablaze and the main building substantially damaged and burnt and over 50% of non sensitive materials meant for the election were also set ablaze.

“The Commission has made substantial progress in restoring these facilities and other burnt national electoral assets. The stores have been reconstructed and ready to receive materials. The Collation Center will be ready in a few days time and the restoration of the main building will also be completed in a few days time.

“The implication is that in the next few days, the Commission will begin the movement of non-sensitive materials from its zonal stores in different parts of the federation to Anambra State office, preparatory to batching and delivery to our local government offices,” he said.

He assured the people that the commission was determined to conduct a good election in th state and all its processes and procedures were geared and targeted at achieving this objective.

Jonathan, while noting that the nation has made incremental progress towards deepening the roots of democracy, added that Nigerians wanted more to be done by politicians to make democratic rule work better for the people.

The former President stated this on Wednesday in Abuja while delivering a paper titled ‘Human Security and National Development: The Whole Society Approach’ at the National Defence College Course 30 Inauguration Lecture.

His words: “I have always made the case that electronic voting is the way to go, if we truly desire to secure the credibility and integrity of our elections. It is difficult, therefore, to understand why the argument against the possibility of electronic transmission of election results continues to subsist, despite all the advancement made in information and communication technology, over the years.

“I want to appeal to members of the National Assembly to always ensure that they do not embark on measures that could hinder the progress and independence of INEC. If they have to amend the electoral law, they should do so in a manner that would enhance INEC’s processes in its performance of its duties, especially, through the adoption of innovations in ICT to aid its operations.

“Since the beginning of the Fourth Republic, our nation has made incremental progress towards deepening the roots of the nation’s democracy. The fact that questions are today being asked by the people on the direction of that progress means that Nigerians appreciate democracy but expect us to do more to make it work better for our people and the country.

“There is the need for those involved in the ongoing electoral reforms to review their efforts and ask themselves some tough questions. That way, they will be able to determine whether they are advancing the course of democracy by working to enhance and protect the constitutionally guaranteed duties of INEC or seeking to encumber the body by assuming positions, capable of negatively affecting the exercise of its independence, in the conduct of elections.”

Democracy, Jonathan further stated, might not have all the answers to the national challenges but explained, “The truth is that a truly democratic system narrows the space for strife and conflicts,” adding that the independence of the electoral management body, was the key plank upon which a thriving democracy rests.

According to him, “From my experience in leading election observation missions to many countries, people hardly go to court to contest election results in countries, where the processes are credible and transparent, because of the level of confidence in the system.

“It is not exactly the same here. In Nigeria, the system is such that as politicians prepare for elections, they also prepare for litigation. I recall that as Vice President, then at one international engagement, I asked my counterpart, the Deputy President of South Africa about his country’s experience with post-election court actions, and he expressed surprise that people go to court after elections.

“I have always said that we have to develop our democracy to a level where going to court on election related issues, will cease to be a viable option for politicians.”

The former President, whose lecture focused on whole society approach to human security,further stressed that security should be everybody’s responsibility.

“Everybody should be involved in securing the country. Yes, the government will do its part but we as individuals should also do our own part. My humble suggestion is that government and stakeholders should do a lot of dialogue. When you start talking, it reduces the anger in people,” he said.

He identified fear as a key factor in human development, adding that nations should place emphasis on human security as a means of mitigating the effect of fear in the society.

He said, “There is indeed a corresponding relation between fear and economic growth. Nations, where people live in fear tend to record reduced economic activity and less development than others.

“In many circumstances, the fear factor in human survival, prosperity and security requires that more should be done to restore hope in the people and in their economic wellbeing.

“As a nation, the security architecture must accommodate the management of fear in the land, because of the place of fear in human development and national growth.”

On his part, the Inspector General of Police, represented by Muyiwa Adedojobi, pledged adequate security of lives and properties during the election, saying there won’t be any sit-at-home order as it would not be tolerated by the police.

He said Nigeria was a sovereign nation and as such, there was no directive by the federal government on any sit-at-home and therefore, there won’t be a sit-at-home order, urging the people of the state to disregard such directives as the federal government through the various security agencies would protect their lives and properties.