INEC Harps on Proper Documentation, Archiving of Operational Electoral Documents

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has emphasized the importance of properly documenting, archiving, and cataloging operational and electoral records in preparation for the 2027 general election. These measures are crucial for maintaining public trust and institutional credibility, according to the commission. Mrs Victoria Eta-Messi, the Director of Voter Education at INEC, addressed these concerns during a two-day capacity-building workshop for staff members from the Graphics, Library and Documentation (GLD) division across 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), held in Abuja.

The workshop, themed 'Preserving Institutional Memory Through Effective Archiving and Documentation,' aimed to strengthen the division's capacity as the youngest yet vital division within the publicity department. Eta-Messi cautioned against improper storage of historical electoral materials, which can lead to the loss of critical institutional knowledge.

She highlighted the GLD as a key component of the Voter Education Division, responsible for ensuring the preservation of electoral records for future reference and lessons learned. Eta-Messi stressed the importance of proper archiving and documentation for learning from previous election cycles and improving future processes. She urged the Public Affairs Officers, who serve as GLD desk officers in their respective states, to utilize the workshop's training to better prepare themselves for the responsibilities that lie ahead.

The GLD Deputy Director, Mrs Perpetual Aligwara, explained that INEC's credibility and continuity depend on its memory as much as its neutrality. During each election cycle, decisions, residues, and lessons acquired are vital for the commission's future. Aligwara warned that inadequate record management could expose the commission to severe operational and legal risks, including inconsistent application of guidelines, repeated litigation, and a loss of procedural knowledge when staff or commissioners change positions.

She also cautioned against relying on temporary digital platforms or phone storage for critical photo and video records, instead advocating for the establishment of secure central archives across all state offices to store election guidelines, result documentation, litigation records, and all INEC activities. Aligwara emphasized that, despite the digital age, the importance of institutional memory in electoral management bodies like INEC cannot be overstated. A commission that documents its work builds trust that transcends any single election cycle.