…Seeks commission’s partnership with traditional rulers

By Shina Abubakar, Osogbo

As the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, declare Governor Ademola Adeleke as the winner of the Osun State governorship election held on Saturday, a civil society organisation has lauded the commission for the effective functionality of IReV.

The organisation, Civil Society Organisations on Community Advancement and Humanitarian Empowerment Initiative, CSCHEI, an INEC accredited CSO obsevers, said the timely transmission of result to the IReV boslter confidence in voters and enhance the poll’s credibility.

Addressing newsmen in Osogbo, the team lead, Mr Kunle Yusuf disclosed that its observers across the 30 local government council areas report early deployment of materials and personnel by the electoral body.

He tasked INEC to partner with traditional institution in a bid to amicably resolve dispute without resorting violence as observed in some polling units monitored by its observers.

“INEC demonstrated improved logistics with the early deployment of personnel and materials to most polling units. The functionality of the BVAS and IReV portal is a welcome development that enhances transparency and public confidence”, he said.

He added that developing structured partnership with traditional rulers can enhance conflict management before it escalates to crisis, commending the security agencies for enhancing election credibility in the state.

“INEC should develop a structured strategy to partner with traditional rulers institutions, particularly in the areas of voters education and communal conflict management. We observed that in a few local government areas, potential conflicts were successfully resolved at the palace”, he said.

While commending the people of he state for their peaceful conduct and resilience throughout the process, he stressed the need for them law abiding as the state move on after the election.