Yiaga Africa Deploys 324 Observers for Ondo State Governorship Election

Ahead of the Ondo State governorship election set for November 16, Yiaga Africa, through its *Watch the Vote* initiative, is mobilising 324 trained observers to monitor the election. During a stakeholders’ meeting in Akure, Mr. James Paul, Election Programme Manager for Yiaga Africa, detailed the NGO’s election monitoring strategy.

Of the 324 observers, 300 will be stationed at a representative sample of polling units across all Ondo State local government areas to monitor accreditation, voting, and counting processes. Additionally, 24 roving observers will provide mobile coverage, moving between locations to gather real-time data via coded SMS reports sent directly to Yiaga Africa’s Data Centre in Benin City.

Each observer will use a structured observation checklist and incident report form to capture information on polling unit openings, accreditation, voting, and results posting. This comprehensive method allows Yiaga Africa to analyse and share election-day findings, including critical incidents and polling unit-level data, ensuring transparency and accuracy.

The organisation will adopt advanced election-day methodologies, including randomised sampling and mobile technology, to provide accurate election estimates. By collecting official results as announced at polling units, Yiaga Africa aims to validate the credibility of results declared by the election authorities.

Dedicated to promoting democratic integrity, Yiaga Africa supports democracy, governance, and civic participation across Africa, championing transparency, accountability, and public trust in electoral processes.