The Independent National Electoral Commision (INEC) on Thursday solicited the support of the media ahead of the off-cycle governorship election in Bayelsa on Nov. 11, 2023.

Mr Sam Olumekun, Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee at INEC made the appeal at a forum with media executives in Yenagoa ahead of the polls.

Olumekun who is also a National Commissioner at INEC noted that the commision regard the media as a strategic partner in the democratic process and hence the collaboration to deliver a transparent and credible governorship elections.

He said that the meeting was convened to update the media with preparations so far made and ensure that media was familiar with the election day processes and procedures.

“Therefore media remains one of our critical stakeholders, such that we have over 100 members of INEC Press Corps from from various media organisations in the country who cover the commision’s activities regularly.

“The commision also frequently consults the media ahead of formulation of policies and during implementation of activities to keep you abreast of goings on in the electoral system and the commision,” Olumekun said.

He assured that the commision was ready for the polls as the non-sensitive material were already on ground while the sensitive materials have been procured awaiting dispatch.

Speaking earlier, Mr Obo Efanga, Resident Electoral Commissioner in Bayelsa appealed to the media to assist the commision in enlightening the electorate to embrace peace and shun violence.

Efanga who was represented by Mr Emmanuel Obodu, Administrative Secretary, INEC Bayelsa assured that the commision was determined to conduct credible elections.

Officials from various units of INEC took turns to make presentations on the workings of their departments and the roles they play in the electoral process.

Mr Raymond Ofonye, Head of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in his presentation traced the history of introduction of technology in the electoral system.

He noted that the Bi-Modal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) was developed to address the challenges of earlier system adding that technology was dynamic and synonymous with improvements.

He said that the continuous upgrade of the BVAS has resulted up to 99 percent reliability will less than one percent failure to identify and accredited voters.