INEC to drive reforms with Kogi, Bayelsa polls

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said it will raise the bar in the conduct of elections in the country by using the forthcoming governorship elections in Kogi and Bayelsa states to showcase its improved processes.

INEC acting chairperson, Hajiya Amina Bala Zakari, stated this on Wednesday while delivering the keynote address at 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: “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.”

According to her, “Any INEC official found wanting in the tribunals will be punished to the full extent of the law,” she said.

Read also: INEC blows whistle for Kogi, Bayelsa guber elections

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 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 are 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.

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