Gives Conditions To Review Election Results
At last the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has given conditions for the review of election results.
The supplementary review which was released on Thursday, allows the INEC Chairman to set up a review committee upon establishment of prima facie evidence that the result declared violated the commission’s guidelines and regulations.
INEC National Commissioner Sam Olumekun, in a statement after the management meeting, noted that the proviso to Section 65 of the Electoral Act 2022 empowers the commission to review declaration and return in elections that are not made voluntarily or done contrary to the law, regulations and guidelines for the election.
“Consequently, there have been many interpretations of Section 65 of the Electoral Act, making it necessary for the commission to use its powers under the law to issue Regulations, Guidelines or Manuals for the purpose of giving effect to the provisions of the Act and for its administration,” he explained.
Olumekun who is also Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, disclosed that clear procedure and timelines have now been provided, the details of which, he said, are contained in Supplementary No.1 to the main Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of Elections 2022.
The document cited by the New Telegraph, said the commission shall set up a Review Committee which shall consist of National Commissioners, comprising a Chairman and four members.
The commission is expected to conclude its assignment with four days.
The committee, according to the document, will recommend to INEC either to uphold the result of the election, as declared, or for a conduct of rerun or supplementary election, and shall not be prevented from carrying its assignment expect with legitimate court order.
It added that INEC shall consider the report and make decision within six days after the declaration of the election result.
Olumekun further disclosed that the commission received 12 additional applications for registration as political parties, bringing the number to 112.
“The commission is processing these applications transparently and in fairness to all applicants.
“We will respond to these applicants in line with the Electoral Act and Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties 2022,” he assured.
The National Commissioner however stated that one association has changed its interim Secretary as a result of defection to another association.
“To facilitate the consideration of these applications, the commission appeals to associations to maintain consistency of their proposed leadership and addresses so that they do not by their own actions cause a delay to the timely consideration of their applications,” he warned.
