The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has concluded plans to deploy 198 election monitors to Ondo State ahead of Oct. 20 gubernatorial election.
?The Executive Secretary, Prof. Bem Angwe, said this on Thursday in Abuja at a news briefing organised in conjunction with UNDP.
Angwe said that the monitors, who would arrive in Ondo Sttae on Oct. 19, had been adequately trained and would monitor the election, particularly in the area of human rights.
He also said that the commission had distributed training manuals, posters as well as hand books to Divisional Police Officers of the 18 local government areas of the state to guide security personnel.
Angwe said the commission had carried out an electoral security threat analysis to ascertain the preparedness of the electorate as well as factors that could hinder a free and fair election in the state.
He said the survey revealed that majority of the electorate expressed optimism that the election would be free and fair, adding that more than 74 per cent said they would cast their votes.
He, however, said that findings showed that previous elections in the state were marked by irregularities, ranging from inadequate preparation by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to inadequate security arrangement.
He also said that previous elections in the state were marred by unlawful activities of politicians, partiality by security agencies and nefarious activities by unemployed youth.
?Angwe called on all stakeholders to ensure a free and fair election as well as respect the rights of voters.
“INEC should ensure that personnel and resources for the election are effectively and timely deployed to forestall frustration and agitation that may lead to violence on the Election Day.
“Adequate security arrangement should be provided by the police and other security agencies for electoral officers, election materials and voters.
“I also want to advise politicians to avoid provocative and unsubstantiated allegations capable of triggering violence.
“The media on their part should abide by the ethics of their profession in reporting the election process.
“Journalists are advised not to announce unauthorised and unverified election results.
He urged stakeholders to treat the recommendations with the seriousness it deserved to avoid any form of irregularities or the violation of human rights. ?
?
?