The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that it will soon release extra guidelines to help clarify how elections should be conducted and how results are reviewed.
INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmoud Yakubu, said this during a meeting in Abuja with the Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs). He explained that the new guidelines will give clear direction on how to handle election result declarations and any changes that may follow.
Professor Yakubu told the RECs that there’s no need for big conferences or workshops to train staff. Instead, they should focus on helping their teams understand the new policies and improvements INEC is putting in place to make elections better for Nigerians.
He also asked the RECs to send updates to the INEC headquarters about how they plan to:
- Make it easier for voters to reach polling stations by reducing overcrowding
- Clean up the voters’ register,
- Work more closely with local stakeholders,
- Manage election materials effectively,
- And improve election security.
Professor Yakubu reminded them that INEC has already announced important election dates for next year. These include:
- Bye-elections in 12 states,
- The Anambra State Governorship election,
- The Area Council elections in the FCT,
- The Ekiti and Osun State Governorship elections.
He noted that some activities have already begun, such as:
- Political campaigns starting in Anambra,
- The announcement of the Ekiti election date,
- And the completion of party primaries for the FCT Area Council elections.
Finally, he urged the RECs to uphold their oath of office and treat all Nigerians fairly, no matter their background or status.
Conclusion
If these guidelines are implemented, it will boost the quality of politicking in Nigeria. For more information and resources on INEC and Nigeria’s elections, visit genderpedia.ng/shop.
