INEC chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, has described the nation’s current Electoral Act as problematic and must be addressed through a new legal framework.
Yakubu made this known during the 12th National Delegates Conference of the Forum of State Independent Electoral Commissions of Nigeria held in Jos, Plateau State capital, on Wednesday.
He was represented by the commission’s National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye.
According to the INEC boss, the current legal framework creates uncertainty and undermines the confidence of the people.
He also called for an electoral law that would ensure the settlement of all pre-election matters at least 60 days before the commencement of an election.
The INEC chairman said:
“When nominations are hazy and issues go to the courts, court judgments, orders and pronouncements affect procurement the printing of ballot papers and result sheets. It is important to put in place a legal regime that allows for the disposal of all pre-elections matters at least 60
days before the elections.
“Removing the names and logos of political parties and changing the names of parties’ candidates up until the eve of election, on account of court orders and pronouncements, is very problematic and confusing. This puts the electoral management body on edge, with a profound
impact on the conduct of elections.”
