Prior to the off-cycle gubernatorial elections in Edo and Ondo states, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmood Yakubu, has warned that the commission would penalize electoral officers engaged in unethical conduct during the election.
Yakubu, delivering the warning during his address at the annual lecture hosted by The Electoral Institute (TEI) in Abuja yesterday, declared that individuals found guilty of such actions will face legal repercussions.
Represented by the Chairman of the Institute, Abdullahi Abdu Zuru, Yakubu, speaking on the topic, “Achieving professionalism among election personnel through effective training in preparation for the Edo and Ondo off-cycle gubernatorial elections,” underscored that the success of any election largely depends on the professionalism and competence of those entrusted with its execution.
He stressed the importance of election personnel being knowledgeable, skilled, and adequately equipped with the necessary competencies to handle the complexities and challenges of the electoral process.
Yakubu argued that the way in which electoral officers carry out their duties affects the level of trust voters will have in the electoral system, influencing their participation and voter turnout.
“To ensure the credibility and integrity of our elections and build trust among the electorate, we must prioritize the professional development of our election personnel.
“As a result, the commission consistently demands that all election officials be punctual, courteous, polite, and helpful at all times. Voters are the ultimate authority and should be treated with fairness, decency, and utmost respect.
“Unethical and corrupt behavior by election officials will not be tolerated and will lead to severe penalties under the law. Therefore, all election officials are expected to uphold a high standard of integrity, impartiality, transparency, professionalism, gender, and disability sensitivity, as well as demonstrate due consideration and support for the elderly, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and Persons Living with Disabilities (PWDs).
“Effective and efficient electoral training is crucial in promoting professionalism among election personnel. Consequently, the commission is determined in its efforts to equip its staff and trainers with the knowledge, skills, and ethical standards necessary to excel in their roles through investment in comprehensive and interactive training programs, as well as exploring potential partnerships with development organizations to achieve excellence in electoral training.
“Through training, the commission is able to enhance electoral knowledge, reinforce the skills and competencies of personnel, cultivate a pool of proficient and effective trainers/facilitators that are responsive to the training needs of commission staff and other electoral stakeholders.”
