Beyond the Ballot: How
By Don Osas,
Benin, Edo – When polling units open across Edo State on Saturday, many of the people checking voters’ names, issuing ballot papers, managing queues and counting votes will not be career civil servants or politicians. They will be ordinary Nigerians—graduates searching for jobs, students hoping to earn extra income, teachers on break and young professionals who answered a public call to serve.
For weeks, while political parties intensified campaigns ahead of the local government elections, another quiet exercise was unfolding behind the scenes. The Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) was recruiting, screening and training about 10,000 ad hoc staff who will become the backbone of the electoral process.
Their stories rarely make headlines, yet the credibility of any election often rests in their hands.
For many of the recruits, the assignment is more than a temporary job. It is an opportunity to contribute to democracy, gain practical experience and earn an income at a time when unemployment and the rising cost of living continue to affect many households.
Unlike permanent electoral officials, ad hoc staff are engaged specifically for election duties. They include presiding officers, assistant presiding officers, polling clerks, supervisory officers, registration area technicians and other support personnel responsible for ensuring that voting proceeds smoothly.
Before receiving their deployment, the recruits underwent training designed to prepare them for the responsibilities ahead. The sessions covered voter accreditation, ballot handling, polling unit procedures, vote counting, result documentation, ethics, conflict management and communication with voters.
The training also emphasized neutrality, professionalism and respect for electoral laws, reminding participants that public confidence in the election depends largely on their conduct.
Speaking in Benin City, EDSIEC Chairman, Jonathan Aifuobhokhan, said the commission deliberately invested in recruiting competent personnel capable of conducting credible elections.
According to him, all preparations have been completed, including the recruitment and training of the 10,000 ad hoc staff.
He assured residents that every stage of the electoral process has been planned in line with the Constitution, Edo State electoral laws and accepted democratic standards.
The commission also disclosed that sensitive and non-sensitive election materials have been produced, inspected, sorted and packaged for distribution.
Recognising the unique geographical challenges within the state, EDSIEC said special logistics arrangements were made to ensure that riverine and hard-to-reach communities receive election materials on time.
For many of the ad hoc workers assigned to such areas, the task will require long journeys by road and, in some cases, by boat before sunrise to ensure polling units open as scheduled.
Election observers often note that these workers face enormous pressure. They must remain impartial despite political tension, manage anxious voters, complete official documentation accurately and sometimes work long hours under difficult weather conditions.
Yet they remain among the least visible participants in the electoral process.
EDSIEC said transportation arrangements have been completed, communication systems are operational and security agencies have concluded coordination plans to safeguard election officials, materials and voters.
Voting is scheduled to take place between 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., while election results will be transmitted manually.
For first-time ad hoc staff, Saturday’s exercise will be both exciting and demanding. Many will be carrying out public responsibilities for the first time, aware that every signature, every ballot issued and every vote counted contributes to the legitimacy of the election.
Their performance could shape public perception of the entire electoral process.
As Edo residents prepare to choose leaders for the 18 local government councils, attention will naturally focus on political parties and candidates.
But behind every successful polling unit will be trained ad hoc workers whose commitment, integrity and professionalism may determine whether voters leave believing their voices truly counted.
Long after campaign posters fade and election slogans disappear, the quiet work of these 10,000 temporary officials will remain one of the most important ingredients in strengthening grassroots democracy in Edo State.
