The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says elections in Nigeria are now getting better with electoral outcomes becoming less contentious and voter experience of the system now more participatory and inclusive.
Chairman of the commission, Mahmood Yakubu acknowledged this at the public presentaion of the 2022-2026 INEC Strategic Plan (SP) and the 2023 Election Project Plan (EPP), in Abuja.
Yakubu said the strategic plan which is hinged on the five strategic objectives, identifies several key actions, activities and key outcomes that constitute a guide to the vision of INEC to provide electoral operations, systems and infrastructure to support the successful conduct of elections.
Explaining that the Plan also forms the basis for the Election Project Plan, the INEC Chairman assured that the Commission would conclude the revision of the Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of Elections by next week, in accordance with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022.
He also hinted that work has commenced on the review of manuals for the training of election duty personnel, adding that the completion of the planning processes virtually will now enable the commission to focus its attention on election technology and election administration.
“The documents presented today are the third in the series of strategic election plans since the era of deliberate planning of elections started in 2012. I am glad to report that these plans have been finalised ten months ahead of the 2023 General Election.
“As you may be aware, the election will be conducted for 1,491 constituencies nationwide made up of 1 presidential constituency, 109 senatorial districts, 360 federal constituencies, 28 governorship elections and 993 state constituencies.
“The election will involve an estimated one million electoral officials (both permanent and temporary or ad hoc staff) deployed to 176,846 polling units in 8,809 Wards and 774 Local Government Areas across the country. The election will be governed by a new Electoral Act 2022, which contains many progressive provisions that will enhance the capacity of the Commission to conduct elections and manage the electoral process better.
“To do this, the Commission relies on three key elements. First is the knowledge and experience gathered from the conduct of previous elections.
Second is the use of innovations to enhance electoral integrity and improve voter experience. Third is the institutionalization of the culture of planning. These elements have guided the Commission through three successive general and several off-cycle and bye elections.
“The Strategic Plan 2022-2026 and the 2023 Election Project Plan drew lessons from, and thoroughly reviewed, the level of implementation of the last plans. They build on the successes of the preceding plans, especially in the planning and conduct of the 2019 General Election as well as off-cycle and bye-elections”, Mahmood said.
In response to the demand of Nigerians for seamless processes, as well as consciousness of the security challenges and their impact on the electoral process, the Chief electoral umpire promised that the commission would continue to engage early and intensely with the security agencies to ensure the safety of it’s personnel and materials, accredited observers, the media and the voters.
He however called on all Nigerians to support the commission in ensuring a success election process, stressing that
the Commission alone cannot deliver the elections Nigerians desire.
On the issue of the ongoing Continuous Voter registration (CVR) exercise, the Chairman who explained that the process would end on 30th June 2022, urged all eligible voters that are yet to register to do so on or before the date.
The INEC boss also seized the opportunity to reiterate that PVCs have no expiry dates, assuring all registered voters that PVCs issued by the Commission remain valid for all elections.
According to the Chairman, “We have encouraged those whose lost their voters cards or whose cards are damaged to approach any of the registration centres to apply for replacement. Similarly, voters who had issues with their accreditation in previous elections have been encouraged to revalidate and update their information.
“In addition, those who wish to transfer their registration from one location to another within a particular State or to relocate entirely to another State of the Federation can do so at any of the registration centres nationwide.
“These steps are in compliance with the law in order to serve Nigerians better. The claim that PVCs expire is misleading. Citizens are therefore advised not to register more than once as multiple registration is an offence under the Electoral Act. Anyone engaged in the act of double or multiple registration is liable to prosecution. No citizen should engage in it or encourage others to violate the law”.
