The acting Chairperson of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Hajiya Amina Bala Zakari, has promised that INEC will use the opportunity presented by forthcoming Kogi and Bayelsa governorship elections to showcase its improved processes and rigour.
Zakari gave the assurance yesterday while delivering the keynote address during the public presentation of the Nigerian Civil Society Situation Room report on 2015 general election, with support from British Department for International Development (DFID) held at Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja.
She said the commission would apply lessons learnt from previous elections in raising the bar during the Kogi and Bayelsa outings.
She said: “In conducting elections in both states, the Commission will apply lessons learnt from the previous elections beginning with the stand alone governorship elections in Anambra, Ekiti and Osun States, and the general elections.”
According to the INEC boss, the commission will continue to encourage participation in the electoral process, pointing out that INEC will carry out Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise in both states, adding that those that registered will have their cards printed in timely fashion and voters’ transfers will also be supported for those two states.”
She called for continued support from development partners and civil society organisations towards improving the electoral process, even as she assured Nigerians that: “INEC in partnership with the key stakeholders in the political parties, security and civic organisations will strive to ensure that both elections in Kogi and Bayelsa are transparent and well run.”
The acting chairperson warned that electoral malpractice would not be tolerated, as the commission would continue to drive transparency and effectiveness.
“Any INEC official found wanting in the tribunals will be punished to the full extent of the law,” she said.
She explained that the commission’s transitional plans needed to lay the foundation for the future.
The key areas she mentioned include, continued drive for improvement of our internal processes, staff re-orientation and training, push for recommendations to the National Assembly on electoral reforms such as ballot access restrictions to reduce voter confusion and diaspora voting, Increased use of technology building on the card reader and e-track processes introduced in 2015
Others areas of improvement internal and external communications to drive improved awareness with the public and staff and most importantly, a continued inclusive process with all stakeholders (political parties, civic organizations, security personnel, the NYSC.
High point of the event was the presentation of an achievement award to the immediate past chairman of INEC, Prof. Attahiru Jega, by the Situation Room of the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC).
Professor Jega who was full of appreciation for the recognition called for continued support for the leadership of the commission to consolidate on its previous success.
(This Day)
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