INEC announces readiness to conduct LG elections; calls on NA to amend Constitution

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, says it can comfortably handle local government elections in the country if given the responsibility.

This is part of the highlight of the Commission’s meeting with the joint committee of the National Assembly on Electoral Matters.

The conduct of local government elections is a matter of concern given the regular pattern of victory for the political parties in power across the states.

INEC affirmed it can successfully conduct local government elections insisting that it is doing its best for the nation’s democracy but calls on the National Assembly to first amend the Constitution

Other issues that the National Assembly seeks to understand INEC’s level of preparedness is the Edo and Ondo governorship elections which is near and counting down to the elections.

The Commission says eight out of the thirteen outlined activities leading to the polls in the forthcoming Governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States have already been carried out

He says the Commission faces more challenges conducting off season elections

Others bother on the allegation of a bloated voters’ register and the delineation of constituencies for elections.

These issues and more formed the core of an all important meeting between INEC leadership and the Parliament.

Having heard from the Commission, the lawmakers say there is a window of opportunity to regulate elections at the state level

The joint committee commended INEC for all its efforts and challenges at giving the nation credible and generally acceptable elections.