INEC Vow Best Practices, To Meet Political Parties, Observers Next Week -Commissioner Chris Iyimoga

Nigeria electoral body, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has maintained that best practices in the conduct of the nation's general election would be strictly adhered to. The electoral body official, Commissioner Chris Iyimoga disclosed this on Wednesday while briefing the newsmen in Abuja.


 The INEC Commissioner emphasised that the apex body has achieved a record of 80 per cent distribution and collection of  the digital enabled permanent voters card PVC across the country.
 The same, according to the commission, has ensured a logical deliverey of ballot papers and boxesto be used during the forthcoming elections. Chris Iyimoga  said  at least ''55,232,875 Permanent Voters Cards  have been collected'', indicating that the electoral body has achieved 80 collection.

Commissioner Chris Iyimoga at the Press Briefing. Pic credit: INEC

Chris Iyimoga said, since the rescheduling of elections, the commission taken the advantage of the time to best prepare for the polls. He emphasised local strategic collaboration between the Commission and  other relevant Nigerian government and non-governmental bodies and especially, the practical results identified through collaboration with the National Council of Arts which has been disseminating messages to grassroots among others.

''The Commission will meet with RECs and political parties next week to brief on INEC's readiness.The Commission will also meet accredited observers on the 19th to discuss the best practices for 2015 polls'' according to INEC.


The commision remarked on the on-going processes and preparations towards the elections that ''the Commission has conducted rigorous testing of card readers to test its functionality before Election Day.
Field testing of card readers will be done in different geopolitical zones ahead of 2015 polls''. Iyimoga stated.

On the issue of reported speculations over the removal of its Chairman before the rescheduled dates for the elections, Iyimoga said that the electoral body has no mandate to disclose the procedure of appointment or removal of its officials. ''It is an endorsement from the Nat. Assembly, the Commission is not in position to say when or how the Chairman will be removed from office''. said INEC Commisioner, Chris Iyimoga.

Written by Lashley Oladigbolu

Oladigbolu is the Acting President of Nigeria Union of Journalists Europe.