Polls: Group advises INEC, police, others on neutrality

By alexandreManagement

Polls: Group advises INEC, police, others on neutrality

A group of civil society organizations has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the police, and other relevant institutions to maintain neutrality and ensure a free and fair electoral process in Nigeria. The group believes that the upcoming polls are crucial for the country’s democratic development and that all stakeholders must play their part in ensuring transparency and credibility.

In this article, we will discuss the recommendations put forward by the group and the importance of the INEC, police, and other institutions maintaining neutrality during the electoral process.

Recommendations for INEC

The group has advised INEC to uphold its constitutional mandate and ensure a level playing field for all political parties. They recommended that INEC should be transparent in its operations, particularly in the process of registering voters, conducting primaries, and the actual election day itself.

The group also emphasized the need for INEC to address the issue of voter disenfranchisement through the continuous updating of the voter register and the provision of adequate voter education. They further stressed the importance of INEC being responsive to any complaints or irregularities reported during the electoral process.

Lastly, the group called on INEC to provide a secure and reliable platform for the transmission and collation of election results to ensure that the outcome reflects the will of the people.

Role of the Police

The group also highlighted the vital role of the police in ensuring a peaceful electoral process. They urged the police to be professional and impartial in the discharge of their duties, providing security for both voters and candidates alike.

They recommended that the police should deploy adequate personnel to polling units and other strategic locations to prevent any form of violence or intimidation. The group also stressed the importance of adequate training and sensitization of police officers on electoral laws and the rights of citizens during elections.

The group further called on the police to diligently investigate any reports of electoral malpractice and ensure that those found culpable are brought to justice.

Other Relevant Institutions

Besides INEC and the police, the group also emphasized the need for other relevant institutions to maintain neutrality during the electoral process. This includes the judiciary, media organizations, and civil society groups.

The group called on the judiciary to handle election-related cases expeditiously and without bias. They recommended that cases be resolved before election day to prevent any potential disruptions.

The media was urged to provide fair and objective coverage of political parties and candidates, avoiding any form of bias or sensationalism. The group stressed the need for accurate and timely information dissemination to promote an informed electorate.

Civil society groups were called upon to monitor the electoral process and report any irregularities observed. The group also recommended that these groups engage in voter education to ensure citizens are properly informed about their rights and responsibilities during elections.

The upcoming polls in Nigeria represent a crucial moment for the country’s democratic development. It is essential for all stakeholders, particularly INEC, the police, and other relevant institutions, to maintain neutrality and ensure a free and fair electoral process.

The recommendations put forward by the civil society group highlight the importance of transparency, responsiveness, and professionalism in carrying out their respective mandates. If these recommendations are followed, it will increase public confidence in the electoral process and contribute to the consolidation of democracy in Nigeria.