By Nwabueze Okonkwo

ONITSHA – The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD-West Africa) has deployed 178 trained and accredited observers across the 21 local government areas of Anambra State for Saturday’s governorship election. The deployment focuses on polling units with high voter volumes and a history of election-related challenges.

In addition, the organization has deployed 57 grassroots monitors, referred to as “Soldiers of Mouth,” to address misinformation, corroborate fact-checks, and monitor how political parties, candidates, and members of the public engage with information during the election.

CDD-West Africa also deployed 30 mandate protection observers to identify and report any electoral irregularities to relevant authorities.

Speaking in Awka during a joint press briefing, Director of CDD-West Africa, Dr. Dauda Garuba, and Chairman of its Election Analysis Centre, Prof. Victor Adetula, highlighted the importance of addressing voter apathy, low competitiveness, and the fragility of key electoral institutions.

They noted that while the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has taken steps to improve election preparations, public confidence remains cautious, citing logistical gaps exposed during the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) process.

The organization also emphasized the role of the judiciary, noting that delayed rulings and uncertainty over candidate eligibility can affect public trust in the electoral process.

According to CDD-West Africa, “Political parties must demonstrate their capacity to mobilize voters and strengthen competitiveness to ensure a credible election.”