Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Matthew Atungwu
Published on 2024-02-16 19:10:38
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Edo State has issued a directive to political parties and their aspirants to remove campaign billboards, posters, and jingles being broadcasted on television and radio stations in the state. This command was delivered by the State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Anugbum Onuoha, during an Inter-agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) meeting in Benin.
The reason behind this directive is that the ban on election campaigns has not been lifted. The ICCES meeting, co-chaired by the state INEC REC and the state Commissioner of Police, Funso Adegboye, was attended by heads of other security agencies in the state.
Anugbum Onuoha emphasized that the Edo election timetable specifies that the commencement of public campaign by political parties would be on April 24th. However, he noted that despite this timetable, all political parties in the state are currently campaigning in public rather than in private. He pointed out the presence of campaign billboards, posters, and jingles of aspirants who are not even candidates at this time.
Efforts to address this issue have been made, including a meeting with the Inter-Party Advisory Council Nigeria (IPAC) in Edo, but the campaigns have not ceased. Onuoha brought this issue to the ICCES meeting to collectively find solutions and ensure that no individual would be accused of supporting a particular party.
The directive from INEC serves as a reminder to political parties and aspirants to adhere to the election timetable and regulations set by the electoral commission. By enforcing the ban on election campaigns until the specified date, INEC is working to maintain a level playing field for all political parties and candidates.
The involvement of security agencies in the ICCES meeting highlights the importance of upholding election laws and regulations to ensure a free, fair, and peaceful electoral process in Edo State. Cooperation between INEC, law enforcement, and other relevant authorities is crucial in addressing and preventing infractions during the electoral period.
The focus on maintaining fairness and transparency in the electoral process is essential for democracy and the legitimacy of election outcomes. INEC’s directive underscores the commitment to upholding election integrity and providing a conducive environment for democratic participation.
In conclusion, the directive issued by INEC in Edo State serves as a call for political parties and aspirants to comply with election regulations. The collaborative efforts of relevant stakeholders, as seen in the ICCES meeting, are essential in ensuring a credible and peaceful electoral process. By upholding the ban on election campaigns until the stipulated date, INEC is working towards creating an equitable platform for all participants in the electoral process.
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