INEC advises religious leaders on non-violence

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Thursday, September 3, 2020 advised religious leaders to sensitise their followers to shun violence as the governorship election approaches.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mr John Alalibo, gave the advice at a one-day stakeholders’ sensitisation meeting in Benin.

He said the commission’s efforts at ensuring free and credible election on September 19 might suffer a setback if religious leaders failed to douse the rising tension.

Alalibo said threats of violence coupled with COVID-19 pandemic could lead to voter apathy in the coming poll should religious leaders fail to take responsibility as relevant stakeholders before, during and after the election.

“It is on this light that I am appealing to you the religious leaders to help allay the fears of the voters.

“The commission has put in place processes that will enable the electorate vote without contracting COVID-19 if they follow the preventive measures and guidelines properly.”