About 146900 persons and thirteen observer groups both Domestic and Foreign will be deployed nationwide for this Saturdays Presidential and National Assembly elections.
Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, Professor Mahmood Yakubu stated this on Tuesday in Abuja during a briefing of both Domestic and Foreign observers.
“INEC accredited 33 foreign observer groups who will deploy 2113 observers. We also accredited 196 Domestic observer groups that will deploy 144,800 observers. “
Professor Yakubu told the foreign observers to adhere strictly to the rules and guidelines of the process while on the field.
He warned the observers not to be partisan or interfere with the process while carrying out their activities.
The National Commissioner, Mr Sam Olumekun urged them to be up to date with the kits and Electoral data given to them before setting out on Election days.
Mr Olumekun urged all the accredited observers both Domestic and foreign to submit the report of their findings to the Commission.
The Regional Director of Africa Federation of Electoral System, IFES, Clara Cole said election observation had become an integral part of election as it would expose irregularities, boost public confidence and recommend a way of further improvement on the electoral processes.
Mrs Cole said IFES would continue to support INEC in its efforts to conduct free fair and credible elections in the country. (RN)
