The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has urged Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to focus on monitoring political party primaries and local government elections. INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, emphasized the critical role of party primaries in shaping the quality of elected officials and the need for greater oversight of local government elections managed by State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs).
Yakubu noted that while CSOs have improved the quality of elections, local government elections often receive inadequate attention. He stressed that flawed party primaries negatively affect the entire electoral process, as citizens can only vote for candidates presented by political parties.
Yakubu encouraged CSOs to offer constructive criticism to improve the electoral system and adopt a comprehensive approach to election monitoring, focusing on all components of the process. He also highlighted the importance of scrutinizing SIECs, which often declare ruling party candidates as winners without scrutiny from civil society.
In response, the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room affirmed its commitment to democracy and electoral integrity, highlighting ongoing efforts to mobilize citizens for Permanent Voter Card collection and promote peaceful elections in Edo State.
INEC’s call for greater scrutiny of party primaries and local government elections underscores the need for a robust and transparent electoral process. By engaging CSOs in this critical aspect of democracy, INEC aims to ensure that citizens have a genuine voice in shaping their leadership and governance.
