By Abdulgafar Oladimeji
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Kano has rolled out new guidelines that would regulate activities at the state governorship and House of Assembly election results in collation centers.
The commission last Thursday said that it has acted in compliance with the security adviser, noting that it would no longer be business as usual at the state collation center located within the commission’s premises situated along Hajj Camp Road.
The H.O.D Voter Education Department, VEP, A A. Maulud disclosed that security agencies have mapped out strategies that help ensure the smooth collation of results scheduled to take place at the center.
He said: “The commission has not rested in its effort to make sure the process commences and ends smoothly.
“As part of security measures as advised by relevant security agencies, we have arrived at the decision to decongest the state collation center.
“All party agents, election observers, media practitioners, collations officers, and INEC staff must carry an identification card issued by INEC.
“All those participating in the governorship and state House of Assembly collation exercise will undergo security checks.
He added that “use of mobile phones inside the collation center is not allowed, all persons within the collation center should put their phone on silent during the exercise.
“During collation, participants are expected to demonstrate a high sense of decorum, while making observations and interventions, destructive and disharmonious behaviors will not be tolerated.”
Maulud appealed for strict compliance with the new rules governing the collation exercise, and he urged all stakeholders to work in tandem with the commission to usher in a smooth exercise.
He stated that “only one party agent and observer from observer groups will be allowed access into the center.
He assured that journalists will be allowed full access to the center, however, there will be strict control measures to avoid rowdiness.
He said the .commission will announce all necessary information bordering on the opening and closure of the state collation center.
