As the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) prepares for the Edo and Ondo states governorship elections amid the Covid-19 pandemic scare, the commission has called on Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to join in its effort to draw new policy on conducting elections that would not compromise the safety of voters.
Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, the Chairman of the commission made the call when he had a virtual consultative meeting with some CSOs.
“I urge CSOs to consider this policy as a living document, hence the decision to engage with you on how we can strengthen it in a manner that will further engender public confidence,” he said.
“On how to encourage greater citizens’ participation in the electoral process and, most importantly, guarantee the safety and security of voters in the process of exercising their democratic rights to vote.
“Your comments and contributions to the 10 items listed in the policy document and consequential amendments to the 2019 Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of Elections are critical,” he assured.
Yakubu said the engagement with CSOs remained at the core of the commission’s electoral process, assuring that the commission would continue to deepen such engagement.
Meanwhile the commission said it may push for the scap of bye-election stating that it distracts the commission from adding value to electoral process in the country.
According to Yakubu, available records show that it is only in 10% of all bye-elections since 2015 that the party that won original lost the bye-election.
The Chairman who had a virtual meeting with leaders of political parties pointed out, “this often diverts our attention away from reform, innovation, peer learning and planning for the consolidation of our electoral process”.
He said: “The Commission is going to open a discussion with stakeholders and the National Assembly for necessary reforms towards more cost-effective and democratic options”.
