INEC to domestic, foreign observers: you’re to observe, not monitor…Launches election translation App

…Launches election translation App The Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC ) Tuesday morning briefed accredited domestic and foreign observers on the preparation of the commission ahead of Saturday’s Presidential and National Assembly polls. Not fewer than 196 observers have been accredited for the elections. At the briefing, INEC chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu reminded the observers that “You are observers and not monitors.” He also assured them of their security, saying that necessary security arrangement has been put in place in all the states they intend to deploy their people to within the country. The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Mohammed Adamu who also briefed the observers on the security arrangement assured them of the readiness of the security agencies for the polls. Adamu noted that the no movement restriction will be observed within INEC stipulated time. He also assured Nigerians and the international community that the police will be professional and neutral in the conduct of free, fair and credible elections. Besides, the IGP said the police to be deployed for duty will not be carrying arms. He however said a detachment of armed police will be stationed some distance from the polling units to provide security. The Acting IG also noted that police personnel on election duty are expected to wear INEC best for easy identification. He noted that the police will be looking out for vote buyers/sellers and also touts so as to prevent disruption of the elections. Adamu also urged voters who may want to wait to protect their votes to maintain the distance stipulated by INEC. The police boss also warned that security personnel who are not deployed for election should stay away from the polling units, saying any security personnel found wanting will be arrested. Likewise, he said observers not accredited will be arrested, after clearance from INEC. An App, for the election translation, was also launched as part of the arrangement to ensure smooth observation of the polls.]]>