Prior to the 2023 general elections, UNDP and INEC make improvements to election management.

Ibekimi Oriamaja Reports

In several sites across the country, INEC officials are assisting voters. Photo/Twitter/INECnigeria

In preparation for the general elections in 2023, heads of department (HODs) from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) took part in a training on developing capacity.

The upgrading of the Election Monitoring and Support Center (EMSC) and the evaluation of the Election Management System were the main focuses of the two-day UNDP-organized event, which began in Kano State (EMS).

In order to ensure INEC’s effective planning and organization, promote consistency and responsiveness, reduce delays, and increase the confidence of the key political actors in the conduct of the electoral process, Mr. Deryck Fritz, UNDP Chief Technical Adviser for Elections, emphasized the importance of improving the EMSC.

“Review of indicators and capacity building on Election Monitoring and Support Center (EMSC) Report Validation” was the focus of Fritz’s speech at the event.

He claimed that as the organization in charge of overseeing elections, INEC must act impartially and in the best interests of all Nigerians, including women, young people, people with disabilities, internally displaced people, and historically underrepresented groups.

“The EMSC also aids in stifling misinformation and enhancing the process’s credibility and trustworthiness. In order to assist this series of workshops across the nation, UNDP has teamed up with INEC.

The UNDP continues to support inclusive, transparent, and credible electoral processes for peaceful and cohesive societies, in keeping with SDG 16 on Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.

Fritz added that the social contract and the resulting government would be enhanced since the results of well-run elections would be seen as legitimate.

Prof. Rhoda Gumus, the National Commissioner in charge of the Planning Committee, stated that the capacity building program was opportune, particularly given its emphasis on the examination of EMSC indicators and strengthening the HODs’ competence for EMSC report validation.

According to Prof. Gumus, the Commission has begun putting the 2022–2026 strategic project plan, the 2022 Electoral Act as revised, and the timeline for the 2023 General Elections into practice.

She clarified that the EMSC had been actively involved in timely and accurate reporting and validation during the off-cycle elections, which had been very significant.

As the Commission begins the process of getting ready for the 2023 General Elections, Gumus expressed optimism that the training will give the HODs a greater grasp of how to carry out their responsibilities.