During an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) workshop for registered political parties in the forthcoming governorship election, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has urged political parties to create an enabling atmosphere for a free, fair, credible and conclusive election in Ondo State.
Mrs Antonia Okoosi-Simbine, National Commissioner, Election and Party Monitoring Committee, INEC, gave the advice in Akure on Friday.
She said that political parties played a huge role in ensuring that there was zero election violence.
She also said parties should play very important roles in peacebuilding architecture which is key to promoting desired peace that engenders the protection of lives and property in the electoral process.
“As key actors in dispute resolution, you will learn that conflicts arising from the competitive processes in all stages of the electoral cycle are anticipated, and can be skillfully managed.
“This is necessary in order to avoid the undesirable effects of escalation leading to inability to file nominations or do so on time, cancellation of elections/loss of victory, etc.
“In other words, ADR affords you the opportunity and capacity to effectively and quickly address electoral disputes before, during and after elections without compromising the rights of parties and those of their members who want to go to court,” she said.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the Ondo governorship election is scheduled for Oct. 10.
