In a statement via its official website, INEC has disclosed that the final phase of preparations for the Ondo Governorship election scheduled for 10th October 2020 got underway on Wedneday morning with the pasting of the “Notice of Election” at the Commission’s offices in Akure, the Ondo State capital and all the 18 local government areas.
The action is in compliance with Section 30 of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) and in adherence with the Timetable and Schedule of Activities released earlier.
At briefing held at the Commission’s office in Akure on 1st July, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Ambassador Rufus Akeju explained that the new Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) Policy on Conducting Elections in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic” released recently contains the operational guidelines that will be applied for the governorship election.
He affirmed that the policy was designed to tackle the challenges posed by the pandemic which impacted negatively on the activities of INEC and to adopt best practices that will guarantee health safety of the electorate, poll officials and ensure credible elections.
Akeju regretted that due to the effect of the pandemic, the Commission was forced to suspend the resumption of the Continuous Voter Registration. He admonished all stakeholders to live up to expectations. He implored political actors to comply with the Regulations and Guidelines of their respective parties in order to uphold democratic values.
