The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Friday began a three-day training for Supervisory Presiding Officers (SPOs) ahead of the Enugu North Senatorial District by-election in June 20.
Declaring the training open in Enugu, the INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state, Dr Chukwuemeka Chukwu, said that the election would be conducted in 1,488 polling units in the six local council areas that made up the district.
Chukwu said that the council areas for the by-election included: Nsukka, Igbo-Eze North, Igbo-Eze South, Udenu, Igbo-Etiti, and Uzo-Uwani, adding that it covered 102 Registration Areas (RAs)”.
According to him, the nature and vastness of the district underscores the importance of adequate preparation and the critical role that INEC staff and ad-hoc staff will play in the successful conduct of the by-election.
The REC said that prospective SPOs were expected to play a vital role in ensuring the successful conduct of the by-election.
Chukwu said that the commission expected the highest level of commitment, discipline, integrity, and professionalism from every participant throughout the exercise.
“You will be taken through the electoral processes, procedures, operational guidelines, and technology-driven election management systems that will equip you with the knowledge and skills required to effectively discharge your responsibilities during the election.
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“I wish to emphasise that participation in this training does not automatically guarantee deployment as a Supervisory Presiding Officer.
“At the end of the training, participants will be assessed based on attendance, performance, understanding of the electoral process, practical exercises and overall conduct.
“Only those who demonstrate competence and perform creditably will be selected for engagement as SPOs for the forthcoming by-election,” he said.
He urged the prospective SPOs to demonstrate the ability to effectively perform their functions and to facilitate the training of Presiding Officers (POs) and Assistant Presiding Officers (APOs).
“Successful participants must possess sound knowledge of electoral procedures, strong leadership and communication skills, and the capacity to guide and supervise other election officials,” he added.
(NAN)
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