2019: INEC Assures Funding Will Not Affect Elections In Nigeria

INEC Speaks On Preparations For 2019 Elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has given assurances that funding will not affect the conduct of the 2019 general elections in the country.

The electoral body disclosed it is working and consulting with relevant government agencies to ensure that funds do not affect its preparations for the 2019 election.

It also disclosed that plans were in place to ensure all procurement processes for the election would be completed before next year’s election begin.

The disclosure was made by INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of Information and Voter Education Committee, Mr. Festus Okoye.

The electoral body further said some of the processes and procedure for the 2019 elections are still being piloted in expectation of the signing of the amendment to the Act.

“On the issue of funding, INEC is proceeding with preparations for the conduct of the 2019 elections.

“The commission is working and consulting with relevant government agencies to make sure that funds do not hamper its preparations for the 2019 general election.

“The commission is determined to conduct good elections and will not allow funding gaps to derail its preparations.

“The commission assured the Nigerian people that all its processes are being deployed to ensure that all procurements are completed on time for the 2019 general elections,” Okoye said in response to email inquiries by ThisDay on preparations for 2019.

The National Commissioner said INEC has after the 2015 general elections, has introduced creative innovations and ideas that would make elections in Nigeria free and fair.

He explained that the commission would ensure the deployment of Smart Card Reader in the 2019 elections across the country, explaining that the smart card reader is a quality control mechanism to strengthen the authentication and verification of the Permanent Voters Cards and eliminate “ghost” voters and multiple voting.

He noted that INEC had used the governorship elections in Edo, Ekiti and Osun States to test and fix some of the glitches observed during previous elections.

“The Nigerian people have accepted the smart card reader as part of the electoral process and INEC is determined to sustain improvements to the smart card reader,” he said.

Follow Us On Google Journalistic Standards