INEC seeks collaboration with security agencies in managing election risks

THE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has sought the collaboration of security agencies and community leaders to effectively Manage election risks in five violence-prone local government areas in Sokoto state.

The Commission’s Administrative Secretary, Alhaji Yunusa Jika-Kura, gave the indication at a workshop on Election Risk Management (ERM) on Monday in Sokoto.

He explained that ERM is a systematic effort to identify and assess election risk.

Jika-Kura said the approach enabled the organisation to understand the risk that could affect the integrity of electoral processes followed by coordinated undertaking to initiate timely preventive and mitigating measures.

He said ERM allows for effective Planning and implementation of security situation management, knowledge and training of personnel and map strategies.

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He added that efforts would be made to ensure monitoring and reporting of violent situations among INEC workers, political parties, security officials, civil society organisations, election observers and media for appropriate actions.

“Risk factor is an element that makes the electoral process prone to risks, risk factors can trigger or contribute to election violence, diminishing the quality and integrity of electoral processes,” he said.

The INEC Head of Operation in Sokoto, Malam Lawal Ladan, said five local government areas were identified as high-risk areas.

He listed the local government areas as Isa, Wurno, Raba, Tureta and Goronyo.

Ladan adduced possible ways to ensure hitch-free elections, with each local government team.

He added that transportation of materials, personnel and proper equipment functioning, as well as security situation management, was Paramount in each group discussions.