INEC seeks suggestions for improvement in conduct of future elections

The chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has called for suggestions on ways in which the conduct of future elections in Nigeria can improve.

Yakubu made the call on Wednesday in continuation of the quarterly Consultative meeting with the media and INEC members to review the 2023 general elections at the Commission’s conference room in Abuja.

INEC has in the last two weeks engaged with critical stakeholders who participated in the conduct of the 2023 general elections in the country.

Yakubu while addressing the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) said there are many positive aspects of the elections and admitted that at the same time, there were challenges.

He said that the commission is aware that aspects of the election are being litigated at the various election petition tribunals.

“While we are careful not to touch on issues that are clearly sub-judice, it is appropriate to review the election broadly as enumerated on the agenda for this meeting contained in your folders,” Yakubu stated.

“More specifically and from your practical experience of reporting or analysing the election, we would like to hear your observation and suggestions on the processes and procedure for the accreditation of media organisations.”

Others are access for journalists to voting and collation locations on election Day, conduct of pre-election activities by the commission: Continuous Voter Registration (CVR), voter access to polling units etc.

The other areas Yakubu asked for suggestions are the recruitment and training of ad-hoc staff, conduct of regular, ad hoc officials during the election and logistics for the movement of personnel and materials.

He also sought suggestions on security during the election, the role of technology in voter accreditation and result management and any other suggestions that will improve the conduct of future elections.

The NUJ president, Comrade Chris Isiguzo MFR, said that the review meeting is an invaluable opportunity for introspection and improvement.

“As President of the NUJ, I urge each one of you to seize this moment to contribute thoughtfully, honestly, and constructively,” Isiguzo said.

“Our collective efforts will shape the future of media involvement in Nigeria’s electoral process and, by extension, the health of our democracy.”

Yakubu, on Tuesday, met with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), All Progressives Congress (APC), Labour Party (LP) and other political parties to review the 2023 general elections.

The meeting was also scheduled to talk about the preparations for the November 11, 2023 off-season governorship elections in Imo, Kogi and Bayelsa states