Rédaction Africa Links 24 with News Desk
Published on 2024-04-19 05:39:03
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has expressed readiness to monitor the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election scheduled to take place on Saturday in Ondo state. The Resident Electoral Commissioner in Ondo state, Oluwatoyin Babalola, emphasized that the commission is fully prepared not only for the APC primary but also for the primaries of the 17 other political parties vying in the November 16 governorship election.
Babalola disclosed that a total of 18 political parties have notified INEC of their plans to conduct governorship primary elections in the state. As the election management body, INEC’s role is to oversee the activities of political parties and ensure that they conduct their primaries in compliance with the law. Empowered by the constitution, INEC is mandated to monitor the activities of political parties, including the conduct of congresses, conventions, and primaries.
In preparation for the upcoming APC primary, which will utilize the direct method, INEC is geared up for monitoring. The commission’s officials are already in the field and are poised to cover the primary, providing accurate reporting based on observations on the ground.
Touching on the reported incident involving the arrest of agents issuing fake APC membership cards, Babalola clarified that only political parties can discern between authentic and counterfeit party cards. She urged all political parties to adhere to their constitutional guidelines and electoral processes, assuring that INEC officials would uphold impartiality in their duties.
Babalola also called on political parties to ensure a level playing field for aspirants and avoid promoting violence or hate speech that could inflame tensions in the political landscape. Upholding the integrity of the electoral process is paramount, and all parties are encouraged to play by the rules and maintain a peaceful environment.
As the APC primary and subsequent governorship election draw near, INEC remains committed to ensuring transparency, fairness, and adherence to electoral laws. The commission’s vigilance and dedication to upholding democratic principles contribute to the credibility of the electoral process, ultimately fostering trust and confidence in the country’s democratic institutions.
In conclusion, as political activities continue to unfold in Ondo state, INEC’s unwavering commitment to overseeing the electoral process underscores its crucial role in upholding the integrity of elections and safeguarding the democratic rights of the people. The upcoming primaries and governorship election present significant opportunities for democratic participation and will undoubtedly shape the future political landscape of the state.
Read the original article on DailyNigerian.com
