The Electoral Hub has lauded the successful conduct of the November 16, 2024, Ondo State governorship election, highlighting significant improvements in electoral processes and technology deployment.
In its post-election report, the organization praised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for executing one of its most efficient elections, marked by unprecedented speed and technological accuracy.
The election, which commenced at 8:30 am on November 16, concluded with results declaration by 3 pm the following day.
INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola, received special recognition for her leadership.
The Electoral Hub noted, “Her adept management of the electoral process has ensured a smooth operation and exemplified the powerful impact of women in leadership roles in governance and electoral management.”
The Explainer gathered that the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) performed exceptionally well, with over 90% of polling unit results uploaded to the INEC Results Viewing Portal (IReV) by 6:30 pm on election day. By the conclusion of the process, 3,907 out of 3,933 polling unit results were uploaded, representing 99.34% completion rate.
The Registration Area Centres (RACs) achieved 100% activation, with more than 75% operational before 7 pm on November 15. This preparation translated into prompt polling unit openings at 8:30 AM on election day.
“The Commission executed all activities as outlined in its timetable and schedule for the election seamlessly and timely, complying with the legal frameworks for election,” the report stated.
The observation noted significant improvements in accommodating diverse voter groups. Special provisions were made for persons with disabilities, including braille and magnifying glasses, in compliance with Section 54 of the Electoral Act 2022. Priority voting was also extended to elderly citizens, pregnant women, and nursing mothers.
According to the report security arrangements were robust across polling units and collation centers. The Electoral Hub reported, “Security agents were very heavily present in LGA and State Collation Centres, with over twenty uniform security personnel observed in Ifedore and Akure LGAs Centres.”
The collation process demonstrated improved efficiency, with 10 out of 18 Local Government Areas submitting results by 11:40 pm on election day. State collation commenced at midnight, with the remaining three LGAs – Odigbo, Ilaje, and Ese Odo – completing submissions the following morning due to geographical challenges.
The report praised the conduct of ad-hoc staff, particularly NYSC members serving as presiding officers and lecturers acting as LGA collation officers, noting their adherence to electoral regulations and timely execution of duties.
