Posted by By JOE NWANKWO, Abuja on
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the final guidelines for the conduct of the 2007 general elections. The Commission also cautioned corporate organizations against canvassing for votes or funding any political party or candidate warning that defaulters would be prosecuted.
• Cautions corporate bodies on funding polls
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the final guidelines for the conduct of the 2007 general elections. The Commission also cautioned corporate organizations against canvassing for votes or funding any political party or candidate warning that defaulters would be prosecuted.
According to the guidelines released by INEC Chairman, Prof. Maurice Iwu, Wednesday in Abuja, the Presidential/National Assembly elections will take place on April 21, 2007. While the Governorship/State House of Assembly polls have been slated for April 14, 2007.
The INEC boss stated that the notice and time-table for elections were prepared with a view to availing the Commission, political parties and candidates sufficient time for preparations. He noted that INEC intends to adhere strictly to the provisions of the law especially as they relate to the timeliness for undertaking particular exercises.
According to Iwu, 'parties and candidates are advised to familiarise themselves with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2006. The law regarding late submission of lists of candidates and substitution has changed.
'The parties are no longer given that discretion. It is now mandatory for the Commission and the parties alike to ensure that they comply with the deadlines set by the law. Those that do not, stand the risk of not sponsoring candidates at the election."
Reacting to calls for the reversion to manual system for voters registration, the INEC boss maintained that the Commission would go ahead with the electronic voting system, noting that more machines are being deployed to the field as part of the deliberate, staggered, systematic and sustained effort and called for the support of Nigerians.
On the issue of political campaign finance, Iwu said that new limitations have been placed on parties and candidates and that it was no longer business as usual as he stated that the Commission will henceforth prosecute offenders.
Said he: 'The attention of candidates, associations and corporate bodies is hereby draw to section 221 of the 1999 constitution which prohibits associations other than registered political parties from canvassing for votes or contributing to any political party or election expenses of any candidate.
'Let me also remind corporate bodies that under section 38 of the companies and allied matters act 1990, they are prohibited from making any contributions to political parties."