L
LequteMan
Guest
Prof. Attahiru Jega, chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission on Thursday in London said there was no going back on the February 14 date fixed for the 2015 Presidential and National Assembly elections.
“When we fix dates for elections, we stick to them and do not just make changes except something bad happens. In 2011, we had some challenges with the National Assembly elections and had to move it forward by one week. But in 2015 general elections, the dates have been fixed and we do not intend to make changes. We are not prepared as a body to conduct all elections in one day, that is why we are starting with two categories for now,” he said
He said the Commission looked at best global practices before fixing the Presidential and National Assembly elections on the same day. The Gubernatorial and State Assembly would also take place simultaneously on the same day.
He also said that the continuous voters’ registration exercise would hold from June to September this year to enable those who had attained the age of 18 to get registered.
He said that the Commission had improved on its synergy with security agencies, and stressed the need for police protection for electoral staff especially those at the polling centres.
The INEC boss also asked for more collaboration with development partners, and listed capacity building and technology as areas where assistance would be required.
“When we fix dates for elections, we stick to them and do not just make changes except something bad happens. In 2011, we had some challenges with the National Assembly elections and had to move it forward by one week. But in 2015 general elections, the dates have been fixed and we do not intend to make changes. We are not prepared as a body to conduct all elections in one day, that is why we are starting with two categories for now,” he said
He said the Commission looked at best global practices before fixing the Presidential and National Assembly elections on the same day. The Gubernatorial and State Assembly would also take place simultaneously on the same day.
He also said that the continuous voters’ registration exercise would hold from June to September this year to enable those who had attained the age of 18 to get registered.
He said that the Commission had improved on its synergy with security agencies, and stressed the need for police protection for electoral staff especially those at the polling centres.
The INEC boss also asked for more collaboration with development partners, and listed capacity building and technology as areas where assistance would be required.
