THE WATCH: 2015 GENERAL ELECTIONS, HOW READY IS INEC?

Happy New Year and welcome to 2015 the year that will advent history changing events in the democratic chronicle of our dear Nation Nigeria. 

As we all are getting ready for the general elections in 2015, can same be said for the body entrusted with the prime responsibility of ensuring a free, fair and tenable election in this country.

The Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) currently chaired by Prof Attaihru Jega has rolled out schedules for the coming elections, distributed PVCs (Permanent Voters Card) to legible voters, register new eligible voters, but are this the only needed preparations from INEC.

Although Prof Jega has promised that INEC is fully ready to conduct a free and fair election in 2015 by stating that it will be difficult for politicians to rig the 2015 election. My curiosity is, with the fraud, violence and misconducts which trailed the primaries of political parties in many states of the federation, can INEC boldly say she is ready to strike out completely or reduce to the least minimal electoral mishaps when the 2015 General Elections comes to play on the grander scale. It would be hard to put measurable value to the readiness of INEC, but so far can we assuredly say that INEC is ready.

Many activities are currently playing out in preparation for the 2015 elections including the 2010 Electoral (amendment) Act which passage is currently been stalled by the NASS. An act many stakeholders belief would cause a setback for INEC during the elections. Issues noted in the amendment includes the ability of INEC to arrest, prosecute electoral offenders. The use of military personnel during the election is another change noted in the electoral (amendment) act.

Though it is been frowned at by various stakeholders (Political Party Leaders, legal practitioners, Civil Society Organisations), INEC insisted the military will not participate actively in the election but to ensure secured distribution and delivery of electoral materials. The involvement of the military in Osun State Guber election went a long way in ensuring that the normal violence that accompanies election and post-election was beaten down to almost nothing.

Building on the success of the collaboration between INEC and the military it will be good if the relationship is further strengthened during the general elections, provided the military sticks to their scope of work and not politicized. The Election Timetable released by the Jega lead INEC has stirred so much controversy and as such come under much debate and tongue lashing from different quarters. 

 

I will not hide my feeling either, considering that for the first time since the return to democracy the Presidential Election will be coming before the governorship election. Political analysts are of the theory that the arrangement is to favour the serving president. Although, Prof Jega has come out to deny this allegation, the scheduling of the elections may be one factor that will make or break the electoral process.

I need not point out to you that assured security of Life and property will be a core motivating factor in the turnout of voters during the Elections. The assurance of security and Life no doubt will be very integral to the attitude and turnout of voters in the North East of Nigeria. The geo-political zone is currently experiencing constant shelling by insurgents; obviously the series of events in the zone will affect the turnout of voters during the general elections.

 

Therefore we should ask Prof Jega, can INEC assure voters in the NE zone of maximum Security during the elections or does he have other means to ensure citizens from this troubled region perform their civic right. Finance also pose a great threat to the logistic need of the electoral body as it is believed that budget as not been approved for the adequate funding of the upcoming election.

I therefore wonder where INEC intend to get funds from in order to get necessary logistics ready for the election. Few days ago the body also re-shuffled its returning officers in all the states of the federation. This is a move I perceive as rather too early. In my own opinion the transfer and shuffling of returning officers ought to be delayed till very close to the election. The one constant gimmick of political parties is buying over or threatening of resident and electoral officers. If political parties could be handicapped in this respect, I believe rigging of elections would be hard.

All hearts are expectants, every eye is watching, eagerly waiting to know how INEC will go about giving us violence free, credible, transparent elections. Though INEC belief they are ready, are they noting minor issues which may turn back to be loophole in the electoral process.

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