Voter registration: group accuses INEC of violating electoral law
Nigeria's Civil Society Situation Room has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of violating certain aspects of the Elections Act 2022.
The group, in a statement on Monday, said INEC failed to comply with Article 19(1) of the law which deals with the posting of voter lists throughout the country.
>The section requires the commission to set aside "a period of seven days during which a copy of the voters list for each local government, regional council or ward shall be displayed or published for public inspection in each registration area and on its official website or any website created by the Commission for this purpose.”
The group, in its submission, admitted that INEC pasted voter lists but not in full compliance with the law.
According to the statement of Convernors - Ene Obi, Asmau'u Joda and James Ugochuckwu, the commission only posted the voter register at LGA level and not at registration centers as required by law .
They noted that such a breach could have deprived some Nigerians of the ability to raise objections to some of the names on the register.
"INEC posted the voter register in its local government offices across the country for seven days from August 15 to 21, 2022 for citizens to make complaints and objections.
"This is a critical aspect of the electoral process that promotes the credibility of the voter register, as citizens can raise objections to the name of a person listed on the register who is not qualified to be registered as a voter in that area, or who is deceased, or whose name has been omitted,” he said.
READ ALSO: Saga of certificates: HEDA urges INEC to respect electoral lawThe Situation Room also called on the electoral body to digitize the process in line with the new law and save Nigerians unnecessary stress.
"We request INEC to comply with this provision by posting the register at the registration/department area and on its website for 7 days.
"This must be done before the Commission begins printing Permanent Voter Cards (PVCS) for new registrants. As we head towards the elections, we urge the electorate to fulfill its responsibilities in accordance with the provisions of the Electoral Law of 2022,” the group said.
The Situation Room is made up of over 70 Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) working towards credible and transparent elections in Nigeria.
Support the integrity and credibility journalism of PREMIUM TIMES Good journalism costs a lot of money. Yet only good journalism can guarantee the possibility of a good society, an accountable democracy and a transparent government. For free and continued access to the best investigative journalism in the country, we ask that you consider providing modest support to this noble endeavour. By contributing to PREMIUM TIMES, you help sustain relevant journalism and keep it free and accessible to everyone.Donate
[embedded content]TEXT ANNOUNCEMENT: Call Willie - +2348098788999
Nigeria's Civil Society Situation Room has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of violating certain aspects of the Elections Act 2022.
The group, in a statement on Monday, said INEC failed to comply with Article 19(1) of the law which deals with the posting of voter lists throughout the country.
>The section requires the commission to set aside "a period of seven days during which a copy of the voters list for each local government, regional council or ward shall be displayed or published for public inspection in each registration area and on its official website or any website created by the Commission for this purpose.”
The group, in its submission, admitted that INEC pasted voter lists but not in full compliance with the law.
According to the statement of Convernors - Ene Obi, Asmau'u Joda and James Ugochuckwu, the commission only posted the voter register at LGA level and not at registration centers as required by law .
They noted that such a breach could have deprived some Nigerians of the ability to raise objections to some of the names on the register.
"INEC posted the voter register in its local government offices across the country for seven days from August 15 to 21, 2022 for citizens to make complaints and objections.
"This is a critical aspect of the electoral process that promotes the credibility of the voter register, as citizens can raise objections to the name of a person listed on the register who is not qualified to be registered as a voter in that area, or who is deceased, or whose name has been omitted,” he said.
READ ALSO: Saga of certificates: HEDA urges INEC to respect electoral lawThe Situation Room also called on the electoral body to digitize the process in line with the new law and save Nigerians unnecessary stress.
"We request INEC to comply with this provision by posting the register at the registration/department area and on its website for 7 days.
"This must be done before the Commission begins printing Permanent Voter Cards (PVCS) for new registrants. As we head towards the elections, we urge the electorate to fulfill its responsibilities in accordance with the provisions of the Electoral Law of 2022,” the group said.
The Situation Room is made up of over 70 Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) working towards credible and transparent elections in Nigeria.
Support the integrity and credibility journalism of PREMIUM TIMES Good journalism costs a lot of money. Yet only good journalism can guarantee the possibility of a good society, an accountable democracy and a transparent government. For free and continued access to the best investigative journalism in the country, we ask that you consider providing modest support to this noble endeavour. By contributing to PREMIUM TIMES, you help sustain relevant journalism and keep it free and accessible to everyone.Donate
[embedded content]TEXT ANNOUNCEMENT: Call Willie - +2348098788999
What's Your Reaction?
