The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has stated that they are already done with the election planning nine months before the presidential election in 2023.
The INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, made this known while speaking at a special meeting of The inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election security. He also stated that the commission is ready for the 2023 general elections.
Still speaking, he disclosed that the commission has reviewed the Guidelines and regulations to govern the conduct of all elections as stated in the novel Electoral act 2022 which is already in force. He also disclosed that the reviews have been uploaded on their website stating that the 1999 constitution as amended, the Electoral Act 2022, and the Guidelines and regulations make up the electoral framework.
Professor Mahmood, also noted that with the publication of the strategic plan (SP) 2022-2026 and election Project plan 2023 and the release of the regulations and guidelines, having done, the commission would now be faced with the activities of the Logistics, election Administration, Training, Voter education, sensitization against vote-buying, technology, and inclusivity measures and society.
With the deadline for suspension of CVR drawing close, the INEC Chairman has informed us that long queues are growing up in some states, especially in the North, South East, Lagos, and Abuja to complete before the 30th of June, 2022. He also stated that even though the commission had foreseen the dying minute surge, by creating additional centers with the deployment of more INEC personnel and more machines, the rise in insecurity in some states has not allowed a full plan of deployment.
Babagana Mungunu, the National security Adviser, NSA who was ably represented by Sanusi Galadima, in his response, has disclosed that INEC and ICCES members will continue to work together to ensure a free and fair election.
The NSA has encouraged all ICCES members to be on alert and aware of the happenings and stay prepared to ensure that problems capable of disrupting the already set in place conduct of the elections as various political parties are rounding up with their primaries, is been tackled.
The NSA has appreciated the Inspector General of Police and other security outlets for their unrelenting efforts toward ensuring a credible election in the country.
