By Josephine Oguntoyinbo

An election monitoring group, Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI), has observed that the upcoming Ondo State gubernatorial election, scheduled for tomorrow, may likely be one of the best in terms of preparation and logistics.

During its pre-election stakeholders’ meeting in Akure, the organisation noted that this achievement is possible if all stakeholders involved in the election remain proactive and transparent in ensuring a credible and peaceful exercise.

The Executive Director of KDI, Bukola Idowu, highlighted key aspects of the election in a presentation, including delimitation management, election day processes, political party preparedness, voter turnout, election security, and results management.

Regarding Ondo State’s election delimitation, the organisation noted an increase in the number of registered voters and polling units since the 2020 governorship election. It observed urban congestion of registered voters and noted that rural terrain affects the early commencement and closing of polls.

Speaking about election day processes, the organisation stated that logistics support, party agents’ conduct, and election officers’ understanding of the process will significantly contribute to a hitch-free exercise.

In its presentation, the organisation observed that the 18 political parties nominated only 32.3% of the expected number of agents, with three political parties failing to nominate agents at any polling or collation level.

It was also noted that the incidence of missing ballots has decreased in recent elections due to the introduction of the new accreditation and immediate voting process.

On the preparedness of political parties, KDI pointed out that Section 94 of the Electoral Act 2022 permits political parties to begin campaigning 150 days before the election and requires them to stop 24 hours before election day. Despite this provision, many political parties commenced serious campaigning late.

The organisation predicted that voter turnout is likely to range between 27% and 30%, based on comparisons with voter behaviour in past elections.

Addressing election security, KDI highlighted several risk factors and actions that could create tension or lead to violence on election day and beyond. These include political thuggery, vote buying, fake news, lack of transparency, late arrival of election materials, and biased reportage—all of which must be avoided.

The organisation also identified key issues to monitor, such as invalid voters, margin of lead, and the management of EC4OG forms.

KDI, which has been observing pre-election activities in the state for the past nine months, expressed its hope for transparency and a peaceful election.

It added that the group has been engaged in an in-depth and holistic assessment of the political and electoral landscape, examining changes in dynamics, stakeholder preparedness, and factors that could either lead to electoral violence or promote credible elections.