A group under aegis of Youths Initiative for Advocacy, Growth and Advancement (YIAGA) as well as Watching The Vote Project yesterday said that arrangement has been concluded to deploy a total of 527 observers to monitor the Anambra State governorship election slated for November 18, 2017.

Addressing journalists at a media round table discussion in Awka, the project director, Cynthia Mbamalu, said that 500 observers would be stationary in the 250 polling units with 27 mobile observers to serve at the 21 local government headquarters.

She explained that the aim of the project is to promote free, fair, peaceful and legitimate election in the state, saying that the project is in accordance with the international standards as well as the laws and constitution of Nigeria.

While noting that the agency would adopt the parallel vote tabulation (PVT) methodology poll, she said that the PVT involves the use of established statistical principles and information technology to provide timely and accurate information on the conduct of election and counting of votes.

According to her, the group’s duty does not cover announcement of election results which they may be opportune to have before the official announcement adding that it is solely the responsibility of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

On his part, the training manager of the group, Paul James, said the PVT came into use during the 2011 and 2015 general elections in Nigeria with the exception of Osun and Edo states.

He said that the method had been used in many other countries including Europe, the United States, Asia and Africa, adding that the methodology would make significant contribution to the integrity and security of the election results in Anambra.

James noted that for the purpose of achieving good result, the group is involved in the monitoring of pre-election, party activities, the election and post-election matters.

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