The Enugu State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Dr. Chukwuemeka Joseph Chukwu, says the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) expects about 50 per cent voter turnout in the 2023 general elections.
Chukwu said this on Thursday at a stakeholder meeting organized by the Community and Youth Development Initiatives (CYDI) to strengthen the capacity of citizens in the voting process in the Southeast.
Chukwu, who was represented by the head of the department, voter education and publicity, Achumie Chuka, said the Commission had intensified the training of ad-hoc staff to enable the effective handling of technological devices.
In his words, “However, it’s not yet time for complacency as the 2023 elections, considered one of the biggest elections in the continent, is upon us.
“The challenges ahead cannot be underestimated to avoid any window that could be harnessed by politicians to discredit the process.
“With barely 65 days to the very important general elections, there is no doubt that some elements are not relenting in developing their stratagem to circumvent and manipulate the process, as the recent electoral experience shows that the commission seems to be one step ahead for the very first time.
“Other election stakeholders, especially the Nigerian security agencies and civil society organisations have important roles to play in protecting the sanctity of the electoral process before, during and after the elections.
“This will not just boost citizens’ confidence in the process but will also increase citizens participation in the process to hit at least a 50 per cent voter turnout mark.”
