PIC.19. From left: National commissioner, Independent Electoral Commission (INEC), Prince Solomon Adedeji; chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu; and another national commissioner, Prof. Antonia Okoosi-Simbine, during the INEC’s presentation of certificate of registration to five new political parties, in Abuja on Friday (16/6/17). 03311/16/6/2017/Hogan-Bassey/ BJO/NAN
… Commission Meets After Two Weeks To Fix New Date
By John Nwokocha Abuja
Citing “the current security situation in parts of the country”, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC has announced the postponement of 15 Bye-Elections in 11 states of the federation earlier scheduled for 31 October 2020.
But the commission assures that it will meet again in two weeks with a view to reviewing the situation and decide on a feasible date for the elections.
The decision was reached at a meeting the national Commissioner and chairman of information and voter education, Mr Festus Okoye held with 37 Resident Electoral Commissioners known as RECs in Abuja on Thursday.
According to Okoye the action is compliance with section 26 (2) of the 2010 Electoral Act (as amended) which empowers INEC to postpone an election if there is reason to believe that a serious breach of the peace is likely to occur if the poll is proceeded with on that date “or that is impossible to conduct the election as a result of natural disasters or other emergencies”.
Okoye assures that INEC will continue to monitor the situation in all the states and constituencies, consult with relevant stakeholders.
While appealing for calm and understanding of voters and stakeholders in the affected states INEC maintains that the safety of voters, election officials as well as other stakeholders is paramount to the Commission in conducting elections.
