As the people of Ondo State prepare for the November 16 off-circle governorship election, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has called on media practitioners to avoid unverified and biased reports.
This is to prevent unnecessary crisis before, during and after the gubernatorial poll in the state.
The National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), Sam Olumekun, made the call on Tuesday at a forum with meria practitioners with newsmen in Akure, Ondo State capital.
Represented by the Ondo State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola, the National Commissioner cautioned that misinformation could cause unnecessary tension and violence.
Olumekun, however, emphasized on the significant roles played by the media in entrenching democracy and democratic electoral process.
He said: “I urge you to exercise caution and be diligent in verifying any information before disseminating it, particularly when it pertains to the Commission’s activities and the electoral process. By upholding the highest standards of professionalism, you can play a key role in curbing the spread of fake news and ensuring that the public receives accurate and credible information.
“The media plays a pivotal role at every stage of the electoral process. In the lead-up to the election, we count on you to help educate the public on the importance of peaceful participation. Additionally, it is crucial that you offer balanced coverage of all political parties and candidates, ensuring that your reports remain objective and free from bias.
“During the election, your coverage must be both factual and responsible. While we encourage you to report incidents as they happen, it is essential that this is done in a manner that does not escalate tensions or incite violence. Your presence at polling units for coverage will also be crucial in assuring the public of the transparency and integrity of the process.
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“After the election, we will rely on you to report the results and other developments with accuracy and integrity. As the election outcome will reflect the will of the people, your coverage should foster peace and encourage acceptance of the results in accordance with democratic principles.
“INEC, in collaboration with security agencies, has made adequate arrangements to ensure the safety of all participants in the election, including members of the media. Security personnel will be deployed to all polling units, collation centres, and other strategic locations across the state. The safety of the media and all electoral stakeholders is our top priority, and we are fully committed to delivering a peaceful and secure election.
“As we approach the election, I seek your continued cooperation in helping us conduct a credible election that meets the expectations of the people of Ondo State. We are dedicated to providing a level playing field for all candidates and ensuring that every vote counts. By working together, we can build public trust in the electoral process and strengthen democracy in both our state and our country.”
Speaking on the efforts to ensure adequate participation of the electorate in the November 16 election, Olumekun announced that the collection of Permanent Voter Cards would commence on Wednesday, October 29, in all INEC offices across the 18 local government areas of the state.
In his address, the Administrative Secretary of the electoral body in the state, Mr. Biodun Amosun, explained that the Commission designed the workshop to equip journalists with comprehensive information on the guidelines, processes and procedures for the November 16 poll.
He said: “We aim to guarantee a free, fair, transparent and credible election, and your cooperation is essential to achieving this goal.
“As members of the media, you must be well-versed in these processes to ensure accurate reportage and avoid the spread of speculations, misinformation, and disinformation. As we all know, INEC’s electoral guidelines are established to ensure fairness and transparency.
“You must report these rules accurately to prevent confusion or misinformation. Whether covering the proper use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) or detailing the steps involved in result collation, your reporting must correctly reflect these processes.”
