The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says the spate of pre-election litigations as well as conflicting court orders could disrupt the smooth running of primaries and the forthcoming governorship election in Edo state.
In a statement on TuesdayJune 23 2020, Festus Okoye, INEC’s national commissioner for information and voter education, said the commission deliberated on a range of issues concerning the state election which is slated for September 19.
INEC said following the meeting, the conduct of party primaries, including resolution of disputes, will end on June 27, 2020.
He added that the submission of the list of candidates the parties propose to sponsor at the election and affidavits of validly nominated candidates will close at 6pm on June 29, 2020.
On court orders, the commission said the spate of pre-election litigations and conflicting orders emanating from such can disrupt the smooth conduct of primaries and the upcoming election.
“In view of this and as part of its commitment to deepen the use of technology in elections, the commission will conduct a training programme for Liaison Officers nominated by all the registered Political Parties on the use of the INEC Portal for uploading nomination forms of candidates,” INEC said.
“The training will take place at the Conference Hall of the Commission on Thursday 26th and Friday 27th June 2020 in two batches, to allow for physical distancing in line with the COVID-19 protocols.
“Political Parties should note that the organisation and scheduling of various activities and processes leading to the conduct of elections are complex and involve extensive and careful planning and any disruption of these processes comes at a huge cost to the nation.
“The spate and tenor of pre-election litigations and the conflicting orders emanating therefrom can harm the smooth conduct of primaries and the upcoming elections.”
It added that the commission is closely monitoring cases arising from the of political parties, conduct of primaries, and nomination of candidates and restated INEC’s commitment to obey all orders and judgements in accordance with the rule of law.
