INEC Announces Electronic Result Transmission for Kogi State Governorship Election

In a significant move towards enhancing the transparency and integrity of the electoral process, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has revealed its plan to electronically transmit the results of the upcoming Kogi State governorship election directly from polling units to its central server.

This announcement was made by the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of Kogi, Prof. Gabriel Longpet, during a media roundtable event organized by the Independent Press Center (IPC) in Abuja.

According to Prof. Longpet, this technological advancement is aimed at curbing electoral malpractices, ensuring fairness, and fostering a credible voting process. By eliminating the need for manual transportation of results, INEC aims to thwart any attempts at rigging and tampering with the outcome.

Upholding Integrity and Safeguarding Democracy

Speaking at the event, Prof. Longpet shed light on the security concerns that marred the previous governorship election in 2019. He assured voters that comprehensive measures have been taken to address these issues, urging them to turn up at the polls with confidence.

“Through electronic transmission, any discrepancies or tampering that might have occurred between polling units and collation centers can be minimized. The electronic process serves as a safeguard against manipulation and foul play,” Prof. Longpet remarked.

Undoubtedly, this move signifies a pivotal step towards bolstering the integrity of the electoral system, enhancing voter confidence, and promoting a more accountable political landscape.

Media’s Role in Fostering Informed Democracy

Lanre Arogundade, the Executive Director of the Independent Press Center, emphasized the importance of the media’s role in fostering transparent and informed democratic processes. He stressed the need for diverse perspectives in media coverage, urging journalists to be proactive in providing comprehensive insights into the election.

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Arogundade highlighted the broader objectives of the media training initiative, orchestrated by the EU-Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN 11) Component 4: Support to Media. The training aims to equip journalists with the skills to critically analyze and effectively report on the Kogi State Governorship Election, facilitating an atmosphere of unbiased and accurate reporting.

With approximately 25 Kogi journalists participating in the training, the event promises to enhance their reporting prowess and contribute to a more transparent and accountable electoral landscape. As the training unfolds, journalists are expected to not only cover the electoral process but also play a pivotal role in shaping public opinion and promoting democratic values.