As part of the electoral reform ahead of 2019 polls, the apex northern socio-political organisation, the Arewa Consultative Forum, (ACF), yesterday rejected the presidential appointments of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) chairman and resident electoral commissioners.

According to Ceoafrica, ACF explained that, the appointees by the presidency are likely to be subject to the direction and control of the appointing authority, stressing that in some states it discourages opposition’s participation in the electoral process which does not provide level playing ground to all aspirants.

The forum also said electronic and diaspora voting must be included in the electoral system in the country.

ACF secretary-general, Col. JIP Ubah, (rtd), in a memorandum on electoral reform submitted to the committee on constitutional and electoral reform public hearing held in Kaduna, suggested that all electoral disputes should be disposed off before inauguration of the winners.

According to ACF, “the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as presently constituted does not enjoy absolute independence, as the chairman, national and resident electoral commissioners are appointed by the President and are likely to be subject to the direction and control of the appointing authority”.

“This scenario is apparent in the states Independent Electoral Commission and discourages opposition’s participation in the electoral process, as it does not provide level playing ground to all.

“ACF therefore suggests a truly unbiased electoral body to comprise the following representatives: Civil Society Organizations – 3-Nigerian Labour Congress, 3-Political parties that secured at least 10% of the seats of the Federal House of Representatives”.