The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), on Tuesday, announced that over 32 new political parties have applied for registration.
This was disclosed by chairman of the electoral commission, Prof. Yakubu Mahmood, during the second quarterly consultative meeting with the chairmen and secretaries of registered political parties in Abuja.
The chairman noted that INEC has started processing the registration.
“The commission has been receiving applications from various associations for registration as political parties. So far, we have received 32 applications (and the number is rising). The applications are being processed.”
Mahmood further stated that the commission is committed to ensuring that the democratic space in Nigeria is opened up based on exiting laws and guideline.
Speaking on the accusations that some INEC staff were involved in electoral malpractice during the 2015 election, the INEC chairman said, “INEC will also take further administrative action against staff found culpable in this dastardly conduct. We will not hesitate to interdict staff where prima facie cases have been established against them by EFCC and immediately terminate the appointments of those indicted.”
Mahmood further disclosed that the commission has successfully prosecuted 42 election offenders despite legal constraints, noting that it was the highest number of convictions ever achieved by the commission.
He also stated that INEC has conducted 49 elections of the 80 court ordered election re-run in the country.
“Except for Anambra and Plateau re-run elections which are sub-judice, we have started the processes of consultation leading to the completion of the outstanding elections.”
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