National Election call centre launched!

UNDP Country Director, Awa Dabo

The National Electoral Commission (NEC) has appealed to the public to make sensible use of the national election information centre it launched yesterday, saying all calls will be recorded.

  

The 24-hour hotline is meant to serve as a medium of instant communication between the electoral body and voters but citizens are reminded to call when necessary and mind their language because legal measures would be taken against those who will use abusive words.

 

Speaking during the launch at NEC’s head office yesterday, the Director General of NEC, Kailima Kombwey said should anyone have any queries with regard to this election, the number to dial is 0800782100.

 

“Let me warn all people to avoid the use of rude language when calling the centre because the commission will not hesitate to take stern measures immediately … when you use polite language our service providers will answer you accordingly,” he said.

 

Funded by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the centre is aimed at fostering and open direct communication between NEC and its key stakeholders (voters).Kombwey said between October 12 and 13, the centre has received 1,281 calls from all over the country, something which shows good response from the public.

 

He said that between October 12 and 18, the centre will work for 12 hours and from October 18 to 30, this year it will be working 24 hours.

 

“I hope that the launch of this centre, will at large point make the General election go smoothly as many complaints will be solved timely,” he said.

 

For her part, UNDP Country Director Awa Dabo said despite the provided voter education and information, there are those last minute questions that the public and the electorate want them answered thus hopping the centre will solve them.

 

“For example, questions like, what time does the polling process commence and end, how and when the results come, et cetera,” he said.

 

She said a well informed citizenry and electorate is a critical element of democratic elections.

 

“Together with our support to the NEC’ call centre, we are proud to have provided financial and technical support for the production and dissemination of this voter education materials through a multimedia campaign,” she said. 

 

She also added that on top of that UNDP will also be disseminating voter education and information through media and other forms.

 

“In the next few days, you should expect a vigorous voter education programme involving road shows, radio, TV ads, billboards and public service announcement,” she added.

SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN