Assist Enhanced Conduct Of Elections In Nigeria – INEC Tells CSOs
Princess-Ekwi Ajide
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has asked Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to extend their scrutiny to activities of political parties and State Independent Electoral Commissions, SIECs, so as to deepen democracy and enhance the conduct of elections in Nigeria.
The Chairman of INEC, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, made the call while playing host to a coalition of civil society organisations, under the aegis of the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, led by its convener, Mr. Yinusa Z Ya’u at the Commission’s Headquarters in Abuja.
Professor Yakubu, who commended the contributions of the civil society community to the steady improvement witnessed in the democratic process and conduct of elections in Nigeria, averred that CSOs still have a lot to do to get other stakeholders committed to deepening democracy.
According to the INEC boss, no matter what INEC does, if other actors are not ready to play by the rules or in sync, challenges will remain and highlighted some areas where adjustments by stakeholders in the electoral process are necessary.
The INEC Chairman underscored the importance of credible party primaries, insisting that flawed primary elections have direct negative impact on the entire electoral process since the public would have no choice than to pick from the various candidates that emerged from such primaries.
He explained that political parties conduct primary elections which is the most important process while INEC conducts secondary elections depending on the candidates presented by the political parties which citizens choose from.
Professor Yakubu, wondered why the civil society appears unperturbed by the conduct of local government elections by the SIECs whereby all candidates of the ruling party are declared winners, saying that INEC appreciates constructive criticisms as it is an ingredient for change
In his remarks, the Team Leader, Yau, noted that members of the Civil Society Situation Room share a common interest with INEC in the area of consolidating democracy and the conduct of elections in Nigeria.
He said the coalition members had been mobilising citizens for Permanent Voter Card, PVC, collection and engaging in campaigns aimed at achieving peaceful polls in Edo state while affirming that the group is also imploring political parties to play by the rules and tell their members not to undermine the electoral process.
Also in attendance during the courtesy visit are National Commissioners, the Secretary to the Commission, Mrs. Rose Oriaran-Anthony, and other senior management members of the Commission who were on hand to receive the delegation.
