ABUJA – The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said on Friday in Abuja that it was focusing on processes that would impact positively on the 2015 general elections.
Its Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Oluwole Osaze-Uzi, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the processes had to do with issues such as campaigning against the use of thugs and violence during elections, the distribution of voter cards, and continuous voter registration.
“Our concentration now is not so much on 2015. We have that in view, but the immediate concentration now is on things like the distribution of permanent voter cards and things that will impact on 2015.
“We are talking on continuous voter registration; we are talking about election in some states.
“So, the major focus presently is on all those immediate activities, and then we go to primaries and 2015 general elections.
“We do not regard 2015 or election procedure as the most urgent thing. The focus is on whole process and not just polling day activities.
“For example the campaign against the use of thugs, violence and malpractice.
“Again malpractice is not done only on election days; it starts with the registration process.
“So, with the fixed registration, a lot of voter education has been taken to the states that have done or are just about commencing the distribution of permanent voter cards.
“And we tell them about the importance of voter cards because, in subsequent elections, unless you have your permanent voter card, you will not vote.
“There is no point telling people about the voting procedure now when we have not told them that without their voter cards they cannot vote.
“These are all the systemic ways which we are building the confidence of the electorate – enlightening them and educating them on their rights as well as responsibilities towards polling day activities.“
Osaze-Uzi also urged political parties to work closely with the commission to educate their supporters for the successful conduct of the 2015 general elections. (NAN)[eap_ad_3]
