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By Joel Anekwe
Elections group, Media Awareness and Justice Initiative has advocated for the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct the primary elections of political parties so as to solve the challenge of imposition of candidates on political parties by political elites.
The call was part of the four-point communique issued by the Media Awareness and Justice Initiative at the end of Civic rights and Voters Education training for 8 local government areas in Rivers State in preparation for the forth-coming general elections in the state.
The communique which was signed by Ikechukwu Ahaka, the group’s State Project Officer also demanded that any individual or group of persons who engage in acts of violence, use of hate speeches or actions to incite the general public must be dealt with in accordance with the law.
It further emphasised the need to establish a regulation act that “specifies how much an individual or a political party is allowed to spend during an election period calling for the establishment of a funds control agency that must ensure accountability and transparency in election funds and disbursements”.
This is because of the observation huge campaign spending by politicians during campaigns and elections undermines the merit and credibility of the election process, hence hindering average but credible and honest Nigerians from aspiring for political offices
Media Awareness and Justice Initiative said; “Although the card reader has recorded some successes in ensuring the reduction of vote manipulation, it must be updated and enhanced in line with up to date technological capabilities. This will provide Nigeria the needed platform to ensure a free and fair democratic process without disenfranchising a bracket of voters”.
It stated that it was therefore imperative for INEC to advance the electronic voting process to allow the electorates to vote from anywhere to reduce election malpractices and incessant litigation associated with elections in Nigeria.
