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Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has, again, promised Nigerians that their votes would count in the forthcoming general elections, stressing that measures have been put in place to ensure efficiency of systems as well as adequate and trained manpower.

It, thus, encouraged Nigerians who are eligible and had obtained their Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC) ahead of 2023 elections to come out en mass and participate in the voting process in next year’s general elections.

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INEC assured Nigerians that the Commission has consistently improved on its manpower and systems, adding that the new Electoral Act had further increased public confidence, particularly the electronic transmission of results right from the polling units to the INEC database.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmud Yakubu, who spoke at an event to mark the end of the phase one of the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) in Abuja, on Monday, appreciated the enduring commitment and support of the EU towards the strengthening of democratic institutions and the consolidation of democracy in Nigeria.

He commended the support received so far from the EU and other international partners which, he said, has helped INEC in policy formulations, improvement in systems and manpower, and other interventions in the past years.

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He said: “INEC was a key beneficiary of the first phase of the EU-SDGN programme conceived under the National Indicative Programme 2014 – 2020. We received various supports in the areas of training and capacity building for staff, engagement with stakeholders, voter education and public enlightenment and the promotion of inclusivity.

“The support went a long way to complement INEC’s efforts at strengthening organisational and planning capacity, improvement of internal and external communications, more frequent consultation with stakeholders and advocacy for increased participation in the electoral process.

“The combination of these actions and activities not only enhanced public confidence in INEC, but provided valuable assistance in strengthening the integrity and credibility of the electoral process. A major achievement in this regard is the progressive provisions of the Electoral Act 2022.

(Sun)

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