The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has urged its staff to ensure the swift resolution of the conflict that may emerge during the upcoming Ondo governorship poll before it escalates.
The commission charged staff members to intervene and settle disputes on the spot to avoid any form of crisis.
INEC Acting Director, Feyi Saseyi issued this mandate on Wednesday while speaking at a capacity building programme in Akure.
“It has become imperatives for all INEC staff, especially those at the field during elections, to intervene when there is a dispute on the spot.
“Dispute may arise in many forms, staff should be equipped to intervene quickly so that dispute can be resolved before it degenerates into crisis,” she said.
Also, Mr Hamza Fassi-Fihri, ECES Project Coordinator, noted that the controversial, contentious, and competitive attributes of the election in Nigeria have made violence inherent.
“INEC staff should position themselves as alternative peacemakers and this may prevent the aggrieved parties from going to court.
“They may only have to file a cost-effective and mutually satisfying agreement on the dispute, and the electoral process will be better.
“We will not have violence and also the result that comes out from the election will be accepted.
“The staff should have the skills of how to adjudicate and the skills to organise mediation among contending parties,” he said.
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