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The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Resident Electoral Commissioner for Osun State, Dr Mutiu Agboke, has stressed the importance of peace on election day.
Dr Agboke urged against violence, noting that a calm environment would eliminate anxiety often associated with the electoral process.
The appeal formed part of discussions during a continuation of Osun INEC management monitoring of Continuous Voter Registration in registration areas on Tuesday.
While addressing political party officials, Dr Agboke said, “If there is peace as exhibited here, there will be no need for anxiety on election day.”
Dr Agboke explained that the Commission’s role was largely supervisory, ensuring that the electoral process was conducted in line with established guidelines.
“The election belongs to the people. INEC is here to supervise, protect our ad-hoc staff, including NYSC members, and look out for anyone who may attempt to disrupt the process,” he stated.
Agboke disclosed that the commission was taking steps to address delays experienced during previous elections, assuring stakeholders that improvements had been made ahead of the next poll.
According to him, “technological preparations were also underway, with Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, BVAS, machines to be fully configured and charged before deployment.”
He said the ongoing monitoring of registration areas was designed to identify and correct any shortcomings ahead of election day.
“The essence of these visits is to ensure that any perceived anomalies are corrected in good time,” he added.
Party agents present during the tour expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the Continuous Voter Registration, CVR, exercise in their respective areas.
They reported that the process had been largely peaceful, with no major incidents recorded throughout the exercise.
The party representatives also called for non-violence during elections and urged stakeholders across collation centers to maintain order and uphold peaceful conduct throughout the electoral process.
Some of the agents noted that the introduction of new technologies by INEC had contributed to a reduction in electoral malpractice.
“The BVAS and other innovations have helped to curb irregularities and improve confidence in the process,” one of the agents said.
They, however, urged the Commission to continue improving its services to enhance efficiency and voter experience.
The agents also recalled that certain areas, including parts of Ife Central local government council, had previously witnessed electoral tensions, but said the current atmosphere reflected a shift towards peaceful participation.
The monitoring team visited several locations, including Saint Peter Primary School in Oja Tuntun, Ward 7, Iremo 3 in Ife Central local government council area.
Other centres inspected included Saint Gabriel Primary School in Moore, Ward 1 of Ife East local government council area and Origbo Community Grammar School in Ipetumodu 2, Ward 7, Ife North Local Government Area, where officials interacted with stakeholders and observed registration activities.
INEC, political parties emphasise peaceful CVR ahead of Osun polls
