The International Press Centre and the European Union Support for Democratic Governance in Nigeria have pushed the Independent National Electoral Commission to increase public confidence in the electoral process by ensuring that information is communicated promptly and accurately.

At a two-day workshop on “Effective communication in electoral process: Communicating with empathy and expertise,” which was conducted for personnel of Ondo State INEC in advance of the state’s November 16, 2024 gubernatorial election, the EUSDGN and IPC spoke on Saturday in Ikogosi Ekiti, Ekiti State.

In order to improve Nigeria’s election process, IPC, DAI, and the Centre for Media Society collaborated to host the workshop, which was a part of EUSDGN.

Speaking on behalf of the organisers, Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director of IPC, stated that public confidence in the electoral oversight body was a prerequisite for polls to be deemed legitimate. He added that INEC could accomplish this by “conveying messages that are accurate, timely, and accessible.”

According to Arogundade, “Building trust with the electorate, ensuring that citizens are well-informed about the electoral processes, and addressing any concerns that may arise all depend on clear and transparent communication.”

Our study on elections has led us to the conclusion that there are aspects of public distrust against INEC. We think INEC has a chance to win back the public’s trust if they effectively engage the electorate. It matters to trust.

No matter what INEC does, when there is a lack of trust, people will believe that they are not performing their jobs very properly. I would advise INEC in Ondo state to become aware of the perception dilemma. In order to guarantee that voters have the necessary faith in the democratic process, they must prepare for it.

In order to guarantee a peaceful process, he asked the political parties running for governor of Ondo to follow the rules. He also threatened to hold candidates and parties whose supporters engage in violence accountable.

Additionally, Arogundade encouraged Ondo State’s registered voters to cast votes and take part in the political process by adding, “It is your responsibility to elect the government that you want.” For the next four years, the minority will decide your fate if the majority stays at home.

Additionally, I will inform the voters that selling their votes is not worthwhile. You are not offered any money in exchange for your vote, which might resolve your issue. The IPC ED stated that voters had to reject pressure from political parties and cast their ballots based on their moral convictions.

The training, according to INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, Ondo State, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola, will improve the staff members’ communication skills and have a beneficial effect on the public, voter, and political parties’ confidence.

The REC gave his word that INEC will hold a legitimate, fair, inclusive, transparent, and free governorship election in Ondo State the following month, with every vote counting.

“We are ready,” Babalola declared. We are heavily involved in voter education using a variety of platforms, including the media, grassroots activists, and our collaboration with CSOs that are actively mobilising and raising awareness in the field. We have conducted several seminars with a variety of groups, including women, adolescents, security agencies, and those with impairments.

“There are enough bimodal accreditation system machines that we now have. They have a fee. We will begin configuring our computers by next week. I would like everyone to be aware that the INEC election result viewing portal will automatically get the results from polling places thanks to BVAS.

As we have stated, each and every vote counts. On election day, they ought to be visible. People are being advised not to sell their votes by us. You give up your future for the satisfaction of a few days when you sell your vote. You have mortgaged your future for the next four years when you sell your vote.

She said, “We also want the voters to know that the agencies in charge of preventing vote-buying have taken the necessary measures to apprehend and stop any kind of vote-selling and vote-buying in the state.”

The remaining materials would be received for further distribution this week, according to the REC, who stated that INEC has sent the non-sensitive materials it had received to the various local government areas.