The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) may adopt video recording of collation of results to ensure transparency in the 2015 general elections.
This recommendation is one of the highlights of the report of the Registration Election Review Committee (RERC), which was commissioned by INEC Chairman Prof. Attahiru Jega and his management team.
The proposed video recording of collation of results is a major reform initiative of the Jega-led team.
There are strong indications that the recommendation of the panel has been accepted by the management, but its workability is still being fine-tuned.
It was also learnt that some stakeholders are pushing for a pilot project of the video recording during the October 20 governorship election in Ondo State.
The RERC report reads in part: “Efforts should be made to introduce video recording of collation at all levels. If this is accepted, it will improve transparency.
“This should be implemented before the next general elections and should be included in the project plan.
“As for the timeline, it should be piloted during the Ondo gubernatorial election in October.
“Collation forms should be designed to capture all constituencies, political parties and other details.
“Result sheet, as currently designed, has addressed this recommendation. Result sheet should be customised to particular polling unit, ward, collation centres, states and Local government.
“On-the-spot announcement and transmission of election and the pasting of copy of election results on Form EC 60E at all levels where announcement of results are done to enhance credibility of the process.”
Regarding delimitation of constituencies, the committee said INEC is due for the exercise.
The report said: “INEC should implement the provision of the Electoral Act that allows it to set up a fund controlled by it and proactively raise funds that it can invest and use for expenditure not captured in the national budget.
“This is already in the Electoral Act. It is important for the commission to proceed to ensure an independent source of funding as well as the independence of INEC.
“INEC should implement the constitutional requirement of delimitation of Constituencies. This is a constitutional requirement and should be done every 10 years. INEC is already in violation. It is important to do it well ahead of the 2015 elections.
“If the RERC recommendation is accepted, INEC should ensure early delimitation of constituencies and the mapping and designation of polling units ahead of the 2015 elections.
On the use of corps members during polls, the RERC recommended that INEC should continue to engage them.
The recommendation said: “The use of NYSC members should continue. INEC should strengthen inter-agency relationship with NYSC for greater synergy, including ensuring adequate supervision by the NYSC zonal offices.
“The work of the NYSC members on election duties should be supervised by experienced INEC staff.
“INEC should take measures to ensure greater security for NYSC members on election duties.
“The exact location where corps members are posted should be made known to NYSC Directorate and security agencies. This is also good for advance planning purposes.”
The RERC recommended that the “current payment practice through the NYSC Directorate should be continued.”
The RERC, which was coordinated by a former INEC National Commissioner, Prof. Adele Jinadu, recommended that the electoral commission should plan towards its “financial independence.”
To forestall electoral malpractice in 2015, the panel said: “The commission should pursue the establishment of an Electoral Offences Tribunal. The commission should periodically and consistently publish the prosecution of cases of offenders.”
Source: The Nation.
No comments:
Post a Comment