The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has initiated a training workshop for its Public Affairs Officers (PAOs) focused on archiving, cataloguing, and documentation in preparation for the 2027 General Election. The workshop, titled “Preserving Institutional Memory Through Effective Archiving and Documentation,” is being held in Abuja. This is part of the Commission’s ongoing training program for PAOs, which began with a session on strategic communication for the upcoming elections.
Mrs. Victoria Eta-Messi, the Director of Voter Education and Publicity, emphasized the importance of archiving and documentation for the Commission’s work. She noted that properly keeping records would enable INEC to learn from past elections, make comparisons, and enhance its processes. Eta-Messi pointed out that records from earlier elections were often disorganized, making it difficult for the Commission to access and benefit from previous experiences.
The Director also highlighted the need for the Graphic, Library, and Documentation (GLD) Division to build its capacity across the states to carry out its duties effectively. She encouraged participants to take the training seriously and apply what they learn in their offices. Mr. Adedayo Oketola, the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, stressed the significance of this training, especially as the Commission prepares for the 2027 General Election.
Mrs. Perpetua Obiageri Aligwara, Deputy Director of Graphic, Library, and Documentation, discussed the goals of the training. She explained that every election cycle brings important decisions, processes, and lessons that help keep the Commission running smoothly. Aligwara noted that the Voter Education and Publicity Department has identified organized archiving and documentation as a key area for building capacity before the 2027 General Elections.
Aligwara highlighted the risks associated with poor records management, including losing procedural knowledge, inconsistent use of guidelines at state and local levels, and challenges in explaining past decisions. She emphasized the need for a centralized and secure archive for election guidelines, results documentation, litigation records, post-election reviews, and other Commission activities. This archive should include both written documents and images.
Proper documentation, according to Aligwara, would ensure consistency and transparency while boosting public trust during election cycles. The training aims to equip PAOs with the skills to maintain accurate and accessible records, enabling the Commission to improve its processes and decision-making. The workshop is a significant step towards preserving institutional memory and ensuring the Commission’s continued effectiveness.
The initiative is part of INEC’s efforts to enhance its operations and build on past experiences. By investing in the training of its Public Affairs Officers, the Commission is working to ensure that it can learn from previous elections and apply those lessons to future electoral processes. The 2027 General Election will be a critical test of the Commission’s preparedness and effectiveness.
Key points
- INEC starts training workshop for Public Affairs Officers on archiving, cataloguing, and documentation.
- The training aims to equip PAOs with skills to maintain accurate and accessible records.
- Proper documentation will ensure consistency, transparency, and boost public trust during election cycles.
