The Independent National Electoral Commission is proposing sweeping reforms to enhance the nation’s electoral process and contest.
Besides, the commission is pushing for an amendment to section 285 of the constitution to make it possible for all pre-election disputes to be concluded before the conduct of the general election. He explained that the constitution is the fundamental law of the land and the Electoral Act derives its potency and efficacy from the constitution.
He cited the situation in Bayelsa where two senators from the state, Senator Douye Diri and Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpor, resigned their senatorial seats to bid for the governorship and deputy governorship positions in the state. On pre-election matters, Okoye said: “The commission proposes further alteration to section 285 of the constitution to make it possible for all pre-election disputes to be concluded before the conduct of elections.
Okoye added that the commission is also proposing the amendment of sections 78 and 84 of the Electoral Act to enable political associations wishing to be registered as political parties to file their applications and have all processes concluded at least 12 to 18 months before the general election. Political parties wishing to merge should also, conclude the process within the same time frame, he stated.