PRESS STATEMENT.
Initiative Against Human Right and Abuse and Torture (INAHURAT) an accredited observer group with Independent National Electoral Commission for IMO, Bayelsa and Kogi States Governorship election schedule for November 11 2023. INAHURAT express confidence in the electoral umpire INEC with regards to the level of their preparedness to conduct free, fair and credible governorship elections in IMO, Bayelsa and Kogi State respectively.
However as Observer group, in this off cycle elections, we are worried with the campaign of constant threat to life and properties and intimidation.
We envisage voter apathy in these three states especially in IMO State and Kogi State. In Imo State our field observers report of some Imolites not having faith in the electoral processes with worries in the NLC industrial actions in the state which is capable of affecting the exercise as many fear that this action may influence the outcome of the election.
In Kogi state, we have observed fear among the Kogites of possible violence during elections as observed in the avoidable clashes among the political actors recently leading to loss of lives and injuries to many.
INAHURAT is pleased with the professional conducts of the security agencies and their swore determination to see the electoral umpire succeeds in the quest for a credible, free and fair election in these three states, with this professionalism displayed by the securities and transparency by INEC so far.
We encourage over 5.4 million electorates in Imo, Bayelsa and Kogi State to come and exercise their franchise without fear or intimidation.We also encourage the electorates to ensure the following tasks are carried out properly at respective polling unit;Arrive early at your polling unitVerify that all sensitive materials deployed to the polling units are in their original forms.
Check that the BVAS machines deployed to our polling unit bear the code number of our polling unit.Confirm that the BVAS machines deployed to the polling units start reading from zeros (oo)Confirm that all ballot papers issued to voters are stamped, signed and dated by the presiding officer.Ensure that form EC8A, polling unit result forms are filled out accurately, scanned and uploaded to the result viewing portal is conducted. INAHURAT call on the His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene on the current issue with Imo State government and NLC, and ensure that all agreements reached with NLC is observed.
Signed Comrade Gerald O. Katchy
National Coordinator
INAHURAT Issues Statement On 2023 Off Circle Election
