The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has received advanced technological tools aimed at improving the accuracy of the results management process and enhancing operational efficiency in the country.
These tools are designed to address specific challenges faced during electoral activities.
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INEC chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, stated that the tools were provided through the efforts of Development Alternatives Incorporated (DAI) during the handover ceremony in Abuja yesterday.
He said that the tools, therefore, offer innovative solutions that could foster efficiency, speed, due diligence, and trust in the electoral process.
Yakubu stressed that the tools were not specifically designed for a particular electoral cycle hence their utility to future elections and electoral activities.
He explained that the tools were designed to address five thematic areas, which included; enhancing and strengthening planning and operational capacities; improving the Commission’s internal communication and external engagements with stakeholders; enhancing the Electoral Institute’s capacity for training and research; assisting in the improvement of legal and policy frameworks for the conduct of elections; and enhancing the development and incorporation of technological innovations.
He said within the current electoral cycle, DAI has provided support towards capacity building, technical support, printing of non-sensitive reports and information flyers.
According to him: “We are glad that today, some of the tools developed in collaboration with DAI are being handed over to the Commission. Among these are: The Collation and Returning Officers Management System (CROMS) intended to streamline, simplify and enhance the security, reliability, and credibility of the recruitment process for collation and returning officers;
“The Election Results Management System (ERMS) which seeks to ensure a better results management process, enhancing accuracy and creating a repository of election results, something envisaged by Section 62 (1) and (2) of the Electoral Act, 2022.”
The chairman said other tools are: the Media Monitoring and Analysis Tool intended to enhance the Commission’s capacity to filter media coverage of the Commission; and the Political Parties Financial Reporting and Audit System (PFRAS), seeks to assist the Commission to monitor political party finance more efficiently and effectively.
Yakubu pointed out that in developing these tools, DAI consultants worked closely with the technical team and directing staff of the commission.
He noted: “In fact, the support to INEC under EU-SDGN Phase II covers the period 2022-2027 traversing two electoral cycles (2023 and 2027) and includes support to the National Assembly and the Judiciary, Political Parties, the Media, Civil Society organisations and the promotion of inclusivity (women, youth and persons with disability).
“The Commission will closely examine these tools with a view of adopting or tweaking them where necessary to meet the immediate and emergent challenges in the conduct of elections.”
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