The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has made known its resolve to be one of the best electoral bodies in Africa and in the world.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuemeka Onukaogu, reiterated this in Awka while receiving the American Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. James Entwistle, who visited him on Friday.

Onukaogu said that the commission recorded a successful test run of the electoral process in the November 16, 2013 Anambra governorship election.

He pointed out that the improved governorship election witnessed in Ekiti State last month was the improvement of the lapses discovered during the Anambra governorship election.

Onukaogu said that INEC was ready and employing every possible positive ideology to improve on its services to ensure that the goal of achieving credible, free and fair elections is achieved during all elections in the country.

According to him, “As an election management body we are determined in spite of the enormous challenges we face to be one of the most commended and sought for election management bodies in Africa and the rest of the world.”

The Anambra REC said that though the outcome of the election in Ekiti has been judged locally and internationally as at least 95% perfect, a more improved election process would be used for the general election.

“In the 2015 general election, the people’s will and votes will count and it must be respected. The lessons we learnt regarding the imperfect aspects of the elections conducted in the country will keep going through reforms until we achieve a very perfect, credible, free and fair election in the country,” he said.

While thanking the Ambassador for his visit, Onokaogu reminded him that the commission had done a lot towards promoting free, fair and credible elections in Nigeria.

Responding, Ambassador Entwisle commended INEC for creating good voter education through its various programmes. He assured that the United States would partner with INEC to ensure the achievement of credible and fair elections.

•Photo shows Anambra REC, Prof. Chukwuemeka Onukaogu with American Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. James Entwistle . . . Friday in Awka.

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