The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it plans to open its online portal for political parties to upload the details of its nominated candidates for Edo governorship election on March 4.

INEC said this in a statement issued by its National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Mr Sam Olumekun, on Friday in Abuja.

Olumekun said that following the Feb. 24 deadline for the conduct of primaries for the election, INEC had earmarked a period of 20 days for political parties to upload the Personal Particulars (Form EC9) and Names/List of Nominated Candidates (Form EC9B) of their candidates on the portal.

Olumekun said that the portal would open at 9a.m. on Monday, March 4, and would be automatically shut down at 6 p.m. on Sunday, March 24.

He added that access codes for the portal would be available for the parties as of Friday, March 1.

“The Commission wishes to draw the attention of political parties that 20 days are enough to upload the nomination forms of only two candidates per party (government candidate and running mate).

“Therefore, there is no reason to request for extention of time, and none will be granted beyond Sunday, March 24.

“Political parties should ensure strict compliance with the timelines,” Olumekun said.

He said that to help political parties ensure seamless nominations, INEC plans to again organize refresher training for two liaison officers of each political party.

He said that the training was slated from Friday, March 1 to March 4, at the INEC Media Centre at the INEC Headquarters in Abuja.

He said that the media centre would also serve as the help desk during the period of candidate nominations in case political parties needed assistance.