The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Thursday said it would work with the 9th National Assembly to review and strengthen the nation’s electoral laws.
The commission also said it would immediately commence work on the aftermath of the 2019 general elections and roadmap for the 2023 general elections.
The commission’s chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, said these in Abuja while presenting certificates of return to Senators-elect.
Yakubu said the tendency to delay electoral reform particularly the review of electoral framework till close to elections, had most often left the commission with little time to develop processes, including regulations and guidelines.
He said such methods had impeded consultation with stakeholders, effective voter education, staff training and organised deployment for the elections.
He said, “As a matter of urgency, the commission will begin work on post-2019 elections review and roadmap to 2023. There is a lot of work, but very little time available.
“As a process governed by law, the success of election in Nigeria depends, to a large extent, on the electoral legal framework and most importanly in ensuring adherence to the law.
“I want to assure you that we will continue to work with the National Assembly to review and strength our electoral law.
“But I want to appeal to the senators-elect to please start work early and conclude work on electoral framework in a good time well ahead of the 2023 general elections.
“The tendency to delay electoral reform particularly, the review of electoral framework until it is too close to the elections, leave the commission with little time to develop processes including regulations and guidelines, make required consultation with stakeholders, embark on effective voter education including sensitisation, train staff and organised deployment for the elections.
“I am glad that among the senators-elect are senators that we have worked very closely with and some of them have taken initiative or even sponsored private member bills to advance the cause of electoral reform.
“We look forward to working very closely with you in the next (9th) Senate. However, all these are matters to be considered; I hope we will do so in earnest.”
