INEC Commence preparation for 2015 general elections....
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said it has commenced preparations in ahead of the 2015 general elections promising with a promise to remain focused and committed despite partisan maneuvering and shenanigan.
The Oyo state Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Nasir Ayilara urged stakeholders on participatory democracy saying that voters should endeavour to engage politicians and even attend campaigns in order to be able to assess candidates before elections.
Addressing the monthly meeting of National Forum of Heads of Federal Establishments (NAFOHEAD), Oyo State Chapter, Ayilara who was represented by the INEC Administrative Secretary in the state, Alhaji Rafiu Adebisi Adegbolaalso enlightened registered voters that elections give them ample opportunity to either confer or withdraw mandate from elected officers, reminding them (the voters) “your vote remains your power”.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner declared pointedly that “the INEC is committed to making 2015 general elections a much better outing for the Nigerian State and the Nigerian voter.”
While promising to increase its level of credibility and transparency, Ayilara noted that INEC has already identified these as the main channel to reduce litigations/petitions just as he declared that the present Commission under the chairmanship of Prof. Atahiru Jega is committed to reducing the number of petitions generated by the outcome of the 2011 general elections.
Ayilara then listed some of the measures currently being taken by INEC in its preparations for the 2015 general elections. They include the following:
Series of retreats, workshops and seminars for the assessments of 2011 General Elections with a view to proffering solutions to identified lapses.
Preparation, deliberation and presentation of a Strategic Plan running between 2012 and 2016 designed to provide a clear cut road map for the 2015 General Elections.
Working and preparing for the take-off of Continuous Voter Registration to ensure registration of young Nigerians who have turned 18 years since the last registration as well as distribution of Permanent Voters Cards.
Strategizing on the modalities for delimitation of constituencies before the general elections of year 2015.
Perfecting plans for the creation of additional polling units most especially for new settlements.
Reshaping and restructuring of the Commission to make it a more efficient and effective Election Management Body (EMB).
The Oyo Resident Electoral Commissioner then declared: “Towards attaining and achieving much more credible and acceptable outcome of 2015 general elections, this office will continue to positively engage all classes of stakeholders in the electoral process and democracy. The Commission, at all levels, shall remain focused and committed despite partisan political maneuvering and shenanigan.”
