HomePoliticsElections in 2023 will provide structural, infrastructure, and human issues, according to INEC

Elections in 2023 will provide structural, infrastructure, and human issues, according to INEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has acknowledged encountering various challenges in terms of structure, infrastructure, and human resources during the recently concluded 2023 general election. However, the commission emphasized that it deserves recognition for the significant achievements made in the election, asserting that the era of one-party dominance in national politics has come to an end.

INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, made these statements during a meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) in Abuja, which marked the beginning of the review process for the 2023 poll. He also revealed that the commission has enlisted the support of over 427 lawyers to prosecute 215 electoral offenders pro bono. Furthermore, the commission has taken steps to engage the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) to address issues such as vote-buying and other associated violations.

Yakubu emphasized that despite varying opinions on the election outcome, it was a fair representation of a complex multi-party democracy. He highlighted the diversity in the election results, with five political parties producing state governors, seven parties winning senatorial seats, eight parties represented in the House of Representatives, and nine parties in state Houses of Assembly. This demonstrates a shift away from single-party dominance.

Acknowledging the existence of challenges, including structural, infrastructural, and human factors, Yakubu stated that the commission is committed to addressing these issues as they prepare for future elections. The post-election review process has been initiated to examine evidence of infractions, including the prosecution of offenders. Investigations into the conduct of high-ranking officials, including a REC in Adamawa State, have also been conducted.

Yakubu confirmed that the commission has received 215 case files from the Nigeria Police related to electoral offenses during the 2023 general election. Collaborating with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), the commission will prosecute alleged offenders, with 427 lawyers volunteering to provide pro bono services. Additionally, INEC is working in tandem with the EFCC and ICPC to prosecute cases involving vote-buying and associated violations.

When asked about INEC’s response to critics, Yakubu explained that the commission prefers to listen and learn from the discussions rather than engage in a defensive or justificatory manner. INEC plans to conduct its own review of the election, and as such, it refrains from pre-empting the process or influencing ongoing litigation.

As the commission commences its comprehensive review of the 2023 general election, Yakubu emphasized the importance of assessing the entire process, encompassing the period before, during, and after the election. While the events on election day hold significant importance, a holistic examination of the entire process is necessary to gain valuable insights for future elections.

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