INEC in respiratory distress should be separated – YIAGA Africa
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Civil society group YIAGA Africa on Tuesday called for the restructuring of the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC to strengthen the country’s electoral system.
The Executive Director of YIAGA, Samson Itodo, who made the call while speaking at a town hall meeting in Abuja, said INEC is currently struggling to catch its breath and needs to be separated.
Mr. Itoto said the commission has a great responsibility in addressing issues that impede the effectiveness of the country’s electoral system.
Mr. Itodo also advocated the establishment of an Electoral Offenses Commission and a Political Parties Regulation and Registration Commission to reduce the burden on INEC.
He said: “There are five key priorities that we have on the table. The first is that INEC needs to be unbundled. As it stands, INEC needs to breathe. INEC is feeling suffocated due to the enormous responsibility placed on it.
“Therefore, the need for an Electoral Offenses Commission, Political Parties Regulation and Registration Commission is critical and Nigerians want a separate INEC.”
Mr. Itodo also supported the demand of Nigerians that the diaspora, INEC staff and other persons who may be employed in essential duties on election day should be allowed to vote.
“Nigerians also call on key stakeholders in the electoral process, including INEC officials, election observers, security personnel and all personnel on election duty on polling days, to vote discretely and early. “Inmates and inmates should be able to vote as well.”
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Source: dailypost.ng