Judul : Nigeria Election Audit Pledged
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Nigeria Election Audit Pledged
Professor Joash Amupitan, the newly appointed Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has unveiled an ambitious plan to overhaul the commission's operations, starting with a comprehensive audit of its logistics infrastructure used during the 2023 general elections. This audit, he stated, aims to pinpoint the shortcomings and challenges faced by INEC, paving the way for the development of effective solutions through collaborative efforts with key stakeholders.
During his appearance before the Senate Committee of the Whole, Professor Amupitan, a distinguished law professor, presented a sweeping reform agenda built on several key pillars:
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Establishment of an Internal Ethics Committee: This committee will be responsible for reviewing past complaints and allegations of misconduct within INEC, ensuring that all claims are thoroughly investigated and addressed. Amupitan emphasized that trust and ethical conduct would be the cornerstones of his leadership, stating, "We will set up an ethical committee to review what has happened in the past because complaints have been made, yet no action has been taken. We will pursue every complaint and follow through."
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Introduction of a Whistleblower Policy: To further enhance transparency and accountability, INEC plans to implement a whistleblower policy, encouraging individuals to report suspected electoral offenses and misconduct. This policy aims to create a culture of openness and accountability within the commission.
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Strict Enforcement of Accountability: Amupitan stressed the importance of holding all INEC officials accountable for their actions, ensuring that they understand their positions are held in trust.
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Deployment of Technology to Strengthen Election Logistics and Security: Recognizing the critical role of technology in modern elections, INEC plans to leverage tools such as drones to improve election logistics and security, particularly in hard-to-reach areas. "We will invest in logistics to ensure we reach every part of Nigeria — even if we need to use drones. No voter will be left behind; that will be our policy," he affirmed.
Addressing concerns regarding the INEC Results Viewing Portal (IReV), Amupitan referenced a Supreme Court ruling clarifying that the portal was not part of the official results collation system. He acknowledged that this distinction was not adequately communicated to the public prior to the 2023 elections, leading to some confusion.
Furthermore, Professor Amupitan outlined plans to collaborate with the National Assembly to establish an Electoral Offences Commission. He highlighted INEC's current limitations in investigating and prosecuting electoral crimes, emphasizing the need for a dedicated body with the necessary expertise and resources. "We will collaborate with the National Assembly because legislative intervention is necessary for the creation of an electoral offences commission that can investigate cases, even through forensic means," he stated.
In addition to these key initiatives, Amupitan also emphasized the importance of:
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Voter and Civic Education: INEC will intensify its efforts to educate voters and promote civic engagement, aiming to strengthen democratic values and increase participation in the electoral process. "There’s going to be voter and civic education. We will build the capacity of all election stakeholders and embark on aggressive civic enlightenment," he said.
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Addressing Ambiguities in the Electoral Act: Amupitan acknowledged the ongoing debate surrounding the real-time transmission of results and pledged to work with the legislature to clarify existing ambiguities in the Electoral Act. "On the issue of real-time transmission, the Electoral Act has not been concluded. I will make my input where necessary to ensure the matter is properly addressed," he assured.
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Streamlining Election Timelines and Procedures: To enhance transparency and credibility, INEC will streamline election timelines and procedures, ensuring that the process is clear and understandable for all stakeholders. "The issue of the timeline will be streamlined to remove ambiguities. We will ensure elections are credible so that losers can congratulate winners without dispute," Amupitan stated.
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Prioritizing the Security of Election Materials: Recognizing the importance of safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process, INEC will prioritize the security of election materials at all stages.
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Enforcing Strict Transparency in Financial Management: Amupitan vowed to enforce strict adherence to procurement and public fund management laws, ensuring that funds are used efficiently and effectively. "This parliament has sufficient laws on procurement and public fund management, and they will be enforced strictly to ensure funds are utilised for their intended purposes. We will also save costs where possible," he said.
Professor Amupitan's comprehensive reform agenda signals a commitment to strengthening INEC's capacity, enhancing transparency, and promoting ethical conduct within the electoral process. His plans to leverage technology, collaborate with stakeholders, and address existing legal ambiguities demonstrate a proactive approach to ensuring free, fair, and credible elections in the future. The success of these reforms will depend on effective implementation and the cooperation of all stakeholders involved in the electoral process.
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