Monday, June 17, 2013
2015: Can INEC play the unbiased umpire?
As Nigerianswarm up to the next general election in 2015, the ability of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to make the process free and fair has been called to question, following its recent order that politicians should desist from early campaigns. This move, some analysts argue, would give public office-holders seeking re-election the upper hand since they have four years to advertise their achievements. Kayode Idowu, press secretary to INEC chairman, had said: “The Independent National Electoral Commission has observed that some politicians and registered political parties have begun unbridled campaign towards the forthcoming general election, thereby heating up the polity. It is observed that campaign posters are being indiscriminately displayed, while electioneering broadcasts are being aired outside the statutory provision for campaigning towards elections into various elective offices. This trend is unhealthy and portends ill for the political process. Indeed, it is a threat to Nigeria’s democracy. The commission hereby reminds all players of the provision of Section 99(1) of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended), which states as follows: ‘For thepurpose of this Act, the period of campaigning in public by every political party shall commence 90 days before polling day and end 24 hours prior to that day.’ Political parties are advised to note that campaigning outside this provision is a violation of the law, and the commission will not hesitate to apply appropriate sanctions against culprits as provided by relevant sections of the law.” What constitutes campaign? For Abdulazeez Ibrahim, a Kaduna-based lawyer and public affairs analyst, it was preposterous for INEC to attempt to restrain Nigerians from making their political aspirations known, as that would amount to abridging their fundamental right to free speechhttp://dailyindependentnig.com/2013/06/2015-can-inec-play-the-unbiased-umpire/
Tags:
This post was written by: Author Name
Author description goes here. Author description goes here. Follow him on Twitter
0 Responses to “2015: Can INEC play the unbiased umpire?”
Post a Comment