INEC Receives New Technology Tools to Improve Election Management

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has received new technology tools from the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) project, to improve the management of elections in the country.

The tools were handed over to INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu at a ceremony in Abuja on Thursday.

The tools include:

• Collation and Returning Officers Management System (CROMS): This system is designed to streamline, simplify and enhance the security, reliability and credibility of the recruitment process for collation and returning officers.
• Election Results Management System (ERMS): This system seeks to ensure a better results management process, enhancing accuracy and creating a repository of election results.
• Media Monitoring and Analysis Tool: This tool is intended to enhance the Commission’s capacity to filter media coverage of the Commission.
• Political Parties Financial Reporting and Audit System (PFRAS): This system seeks to assist the Commission to monitor political party finance more efficiently and effectively.

In his remarks, Yakubu thanked the EU-SDGN project for the support, saying the tools would be of great benefit to the Commission in the conduct of future elections.

He also said the tools would help to improve the transparency and accountability of the electoral process, and boost public confidence in the Commission.

Yakubu also reiterated that core electoral activities are still funded by the Federal Government of Nigeria as a sovereign responsibility. He said only funding from Government is received and administered directly by the Commission.

The EU-SDGN project is funded by the European Union and implemented by Development Alternatives Incorporated (DAI). The project aims to support democratic governance in Nigeria by strengthening the capacity of key institutions, including INEC, to deliver credible elections.

The project is also working to promote inclusivity in the electoral process by supporting the participation of women, youth and persons with disabilities.

The handing over of the technology tools to INEC is a significant milestone in the EU-SDGN project. The tools will help to improve the management of elections in Nigeria and make the process more transparent and accountable. This will boost public confidence in the electoral process and contribute to the strengthening of democracy in Nigeria.