INEC to Enforce “No Observation Report, No Accreditation” Policy on CSOs
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in Nigeria is determined to ensure compliance with its directives by stakeholders, in a bid to deliver credible, free, fair, and transparent elections in the country, reason it is holding continuous consultations with stakeholders who are critical to elections and electoral activities.
Chairman of the commission, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu during its first quarterly meeting with members of civil society organizations, CSOs gave assurance that INEC will continue to partner with them and that the commission appreciates the observations and recommendations contained in their election observation reports.
Election observation
Prof. Mahmood noted that some of the reforms and innovations introduced by the Commission over the years were drawn from their observation reports but the Commission may be forced to adopt the policy of no report no accreditation for CSOs who do not turn in their election observation reports being a pre-condition for accreditation in the first place.
“I want to reassure you that However, while many of you have submitted your reports, some accredited observers are yet to do so for the general election, supplementary elections, off-cycle elections, bye-elections, and re-run elections. May I therefore seize this opportunity to remind those who are yet to submit their observation reports that it is mandatory to do so being one of the conditions for eligibility to observe future elections. Going forward, the Commission will operate strictly on the policy of “No Observation Report, No Accreditation”.
Election circle
The commission’s chairman stated that there is no longer election season in Nigeria as Elections are held all-year round between one general election and another, he reminded them that their quarterly meeting for the year 2023 was held on the eve of the three off-cycle Governorship elections in Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi States. “Last month, bye-elections and re-run elections were held across the country for National and State Assembly constituencies. Even today’s meeting is coming in the middle of increased activities for the forthcoming off-cycle Governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States.”
Edo/Ogun elections
Prof. Mahmood informed the CSOs that the Edo state Governorship election will be held on Saturday 21st September 2024 while that of Ondo State is scheduled for Saturday 16th November 2024 which is six months and eight months away respectively, thus it is appropriate for the electoral umpire to brief them on preparations for the two Governorship elections.
He said for Edo State, “18 Political Parties conducted their primaries monitored by the Commission. Going by the provision of the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the election, Political Parties have 20 days from 4th March 2024 to upload the list and personal particulars of their candidates to our dedicated web portal. As at this morning, eight Parties have done so. We expect the other Parties to do so before the deadline of 6 pm on 24th March 2024 when the portal automatically shuts down”. publish the personal particulars of the candidates (Form EC9) on 31st March 2024 for public scrutiny as required by law.
Concerning the Ondo State governorship election, “Political Parties will commence their primaries for the Governorship election in the next two weeks. Sixteen Political Parties have indicated interest in participating in the election”.
Prof Mahmood encouraged Civil Society Organizations, CSOs, to engage with Political Parties and observe their primaries just as they engage with INEC and deploy observers to the main election conducted by the Commission.
“By doing so, you will strengthen your advocacy for inclusivity for groups such as women, youths, and Persons with Disability, PwD, that are under-represented in elective offices at the National and State level”.
Representative of the Civil Society Organisations Mufuliat Fajabi Executive Director Sustainable Gender Action Initiative, while assuring Nigerians of their resolve to advocate for better electoral processes and serve as the voice for the voiceless commended INEC for always providing a platform for stakeholders to participate in the nation’s electoral process.
Lateefah Ibrahim
