Lokoja – The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), on Thursday said a mediation clinic would be established in Lokoja after governorship election in Kogi State on Nov. 21.
The commission’s Director of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), Mrs Ngozi Oghuma, announced this at a one-day Workshop on Electoral Alternative Dispute Resolution (EADR) in Lokoja.
Oghuma said the clinic would handle complaints that may arise from the conduct and outcome of the governorship election.
The director advised politicians to employ alternative dispute resolution in resolving election disputes, describing it as cheaper and time effective.
She told participants that the traditional way of resolving dispute was becoming too tasking in terms of cost and time, hence the need for politicians and parties to explore the ADR.
“Political parties, candidates and voters now have alternative to resolving disputes among themselves.
“The traditional litigation is time consuming, expensive and most regrettably, destroys relationships’’, she said.
Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Malam Halilu Pai said ADR entails resolving electoral disputes through mediation, arbitration, negotiation and conciliation.
“It is cheaper and faster, compared to traditional method.’’
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Pai implored political parties and all critical stakeholders to embrace ADR to deepen democratic ideals in the country.
He assured of the commission’s commitment to conducting free, fair and credible election. (NAN)
