The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has assured
the September 19 and October 10 dates for Edo and Ondo governorship
elections remain unchanged despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
It also said the timetable and schedule of activities for the
elections stand.
These were disclosed after a meeting on Tuesday where wide
ranging issues, including the coming governorship and outstanding
bye elections were discussed.
According to a statement signed by National Commissioner and
Chairman Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye,
the Commission will issue policy framework for engagement of
stakeholders on Thursday.
The Commission restated its resolve to provide the requisite
innovation in conducting elections in context of the COVID-19
pandemic.
It added that it is committed to fulfilling its constitutional
responsibility of conducting elections but without jeopardising the
health and wellbeing of citizens.
According to the statement: “The Independent National Electoral
Commission (INEC) met today Tuesday 19th May 2020 and deliberated
on a wide range of issues including the conduct of the Edo and Ondo
Governorship elections, as well as the 9 outstanding bye elections
in different parts of the country.
“The Commission deliberated extensively on a Policy Framework
that will guide its operations, activities and engagements with
critical stakeholders in view of the COVID-19 pandemic and its
impact on the electoral process in Nigeria.
“Based on this, the Commission will on Thursday 21st May 2020
issue a Policy Framework for engagement with stakeholders, the
conduct of the two end of tenure governorship elections,
outstanding bye elections and future electoral activities”.
It added: “The Commission reiterated its commitment to conduct
the Edo and Ondo Governorship elections on 19th September and 10th
October 2020 as contained in the Timetable and Schedule of
Activities released on 6th February 2020.
“We reassure Nigerians of our resolve and determination to
provide the requisite guidance, innovation and leadership in
conducting elections in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The Commission is committed to fulfilling its constitutional
responsibility of conducting elections but without jeopardizing the
health and wellbeing of citizens, stakeholders or its valued
staff.
“The Commission will accelerate consultations and engagements
with political parties, civil society organizations, security
agencies and health authorities as soon as its Policy Framework is
finalised this week”.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has assured
the September 19 and October 10 dates for Edo and Ondo governorship
elections remain unchanged despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
It also said the timetable and schedule of activities for the
elections stand.
These were disclosed after a meeting on Tuesday where wide
ranging issues, including the coming governorship and outstanding
bye elections were discussed.
According to a statement signed by National Commissioner and
Chairman Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye,
the Commission will issue policy framework for engagement of
stakeholders on Thursday.
The Commission restated its resolve to provide the requisite
innovation in conducting elections in context of the COVID-19
pandemic.
It added that it is committed to fulfilling its constitutional
responsibility of conducting elections but without jeopardising the
health and wellbeing of citizens.
According to the statement: “The Independent National Electoral
Commission (INEC) met today Tuesday 19th May 2020 and deliberated
on a wide range of issues including the conduct of the Edo and Ondo
Governorship elections, as well as the 9 outstanding bye elections
in different parts of the country.
“The Commission deliberated extensively on a Policy Framework
that will guide its operations, activities and engagements with
critical stakeholders in view of the COVID-19 pandemic and its
impact on the electoral process in Nigeria.
“Based on this, the Commission will on Thursday 21st May 2020
issue a Policy Framework for engagement with stakeholders, the
conduct of the two end of tenure governorship elections,
outstanding bye elections and future electoral activities”.
It added: “The Commission reiterated its commitment to conduct
the Edo and Ondo Governorship elections on 19th September and 10th
October 2020 as contained in the Timetable and Schedule of
Activities released on 6th February 2020.
“We reassure Nigerians of our resolve and determination to
provide the requisite guidance, innovation and leadership in
conducting elections in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The Commission is committed to fulfilling its constitutional
responsibility of conducting elections but without jeopardizing the
health and wellbeing of citizens, stakeholders or its valued
staff.
“The Commission will accelerate consultations and engagements
with political parties, civil society organizations, security
agencies and health authorities as soon as its Policy Framework is
finalised this week”.