INEC commences distribution of non sensitive electoral materials in Anambra

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said that the commission had commenced the movement of non-sensitive electoral materials to Anambra.

INEC National Commissioner  Commissioner, Prof. Lai Olurode told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that with this early movement of materials, the commission was re-assessing its operational strategy to ensure a hitch-free governorship election on Nov.16.

He said sensitive materials would be moved from the commission’s headquarters a week to the election.

Olurode said that the commission had put in place various strategies to ensure a high standard of integrity and transparency to make the outcome of the election acceptable to all.

The commission had created area centres close to polling units, for the distribution of all sensitive materials to ensure prompt arrival of election materials during the election.

“A combination of four wards will form a registration centre from where materials will be distributed to polling units. This will enhance synergy for timely arrival of materials,’’ he said.

Olurode said the creation of the centres would guard against the problem of late arrival of materials, delay in accreditation and voting.

It would also forestall discrepancies in voter registration statistics noticeable during past elections.

Olurode said the Assistant Inspector General of Police for the zone had promised to provide necessary security in the state during the election in enhancing the success of the election.

Olurode said INEC was also working in collaboration with the Joint Security Task Force to create a level playing ground for the stakeholders.

Similarly, he said,  the commission was collaborating with various partners to enhance voter’s education.

He said the commission had also embarked on the training of the electoral officers in Awka to give them appropriate direction.

Olurode warned politicians to play the game according to its rules and cooperate with the commission to ensure smooth election.

“We are appealing to them not to deploy any security apparatus aside the joint security or to be moving from one polling station to another,’’ he said.

NAN