In a bid to ensure a seamless electoral process, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Ondo State has concluded a two-day workshop for senior staff on effective communication.
The training, facilitated by the International Press Centre (IPC) with support from the European Union (EU) and DAI, aimed to enhance participants’ communication skills, enabling them to engage empathetically and professionally with voters, political parties, and other stakeholders.
“Effective Communication Crucial to Successful Polls” – INEC REC
Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Ondo State, Oluwatoyin Babalola, emphasized the importance of effective communication in the electoral process. “As election managers, we must understand the essence of clear, accurate, and empathic communication,” she stated.
Mrs. Babalola noted that INEC staff must be equipped to manage elections, conflict, and perceptions, while fostering effective communication strategies to minimize misinformation and disinformation.
Workshop Focuses on Empathic Communication
The workshop, themed “Effective Communication in the Electoral Process: Communicating with Empathy and Expertise,” highlighted the need for INEC staff to:
- Understand diverse perspectives and emotions of voter groups
- Engage stakeholders through active listening and thoughtful responses
- Address electoral concerns of voters and the public
IPC Director Hails INEC’s Commitment to Transparency
Executive Director of the IPC, Lanre Arogundade, praised INEC’s efforts to strengthen communication capacity. “This training will enable INEC officials to relay electoral information efficiently and interact with the media transparently and professionally,” he said.
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