By Jubril Bada

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As preparations for the November 16, 2024 Governorship election in Ondo State hot up, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has organized an implementation meeting with its Electoral Officers and their Assistants across the 18 Local government areas of the state.

Addressing participants at the meeting held in Akure, the State capital, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the State, Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola said the meeting was part of key preparations of INEC to conduct free, fair and credible election by ensuring that voters know their responsibilities.

Speaking on the importance of the implementation meeting, Babalola said, “we are standing on the mandate to conduct free fair and credible election. And for an election to be considered as free, fair and inclusive, citizens must be able to participate adequately and easily.

“They (voters) must be sufficiently equipped with prerequisite information to enhance their participation, and in order to achieve this, all hands must be on deck to ensure that voters enlightenment is taken to the grassroots.

“Voters must understand their roles, their rights and responsibilities in the electoral process and this will help to enhance democracy,” the REC said.

Babalola expressed INEC determination to conduct a credible and acceptable governorship election in the state and  other parts of the country.

On the overview of the implementation meeting, the Director of Voter Education and Publicity, VEP, from INEC Headquarters, Abuja, Mrs Mary Nkem emphasized the importance of regular enlightenment of the public on the improved electoral processes especially the online portal to ease the Commission’s activities.

Nkem said “this meeting is aimed at identifying potential challenges and obstacles that may arise during the implementation process and to proactively address the issue well ahead of time.