I Can't Guarantee Elections Will Hold As Rescheduled - Jega

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Attahiru Jega, has told Nigerian federal lawmakers he could not guarantee the 2015 general elections will hold on rescheduled dates in March and April.

At a meeting with Senators Wednesday, Mr. Jega said he could not commit himself to the "sanctity" of March 28 and April 11 - dates for the rescheduled Nigeria’s general elections.

He said the electoral commission could not guarantee aspects of the poll that are beyond its control.

Mr. Jega met with the lawmakers to review the decision to postpone the polls from February.

Under the Nigerian law, a further six-week extension of the elections is possible, a prospect opposed by many Nigerians, the main opposition All Progressives Congress, APC, and the international community.

INEC had said the postponement were necessary for security reasons, as military chiefs had warned against going on with the vote to allow it focus on fighting the terror group, Boko Haram.

But the APC said the delay was instigated by President Goodluck Jonathan, to save him and ruling party from losing the elections to the APC candidate, Muhammadu Buhari.

Since announcing the new dates nearly two weeks ago, the commission has declined to clearly confirm that there will be no further delay beyond March 28 and April 11, for presidential, National Assembly, governorship and state assembly polls.

Responding to a question by George Akume, Senate Minority Leader, on the sanctity of the new dates, on Wednesday, Mr. Jega said it was difficult for him to respond, saying he could only give assurances over aspects within the control of INEC.

"That’s a very difficult question to answer. I have said not everything that has to do with the conduct of successful election is within the control of INEC", Mr. Jega said.

Mr. Jega also said the commission will go forward with its plan to deploy card readers for the elections.

There have been some concerns, mainly from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, about the plan as Nigerian law prohibits electronic voting.

On Wednesday, while PDP Senators opposed the plan, their APC counterparts welcomed it.

Heineken Lokpobri, a PDP Senator from Bayelsa State and Odion Ugbesa, from Edo State, argued against the use of card readers for the elections, saying it would be illegal.

In his response, Mr. Jega said card readers would only be used for accreditation not actual voting.

He said there was no law forbidding the use of electronic devices for accreditation.

"Card reader is used for accreditation not voting. Voting his defined as dropping of ballot paper into ballot box. Accreditation is essential for integrity of the election", he said.

"Nothing in the constitution says we should not use electronic device in the process of accreditation. Anybody that is not satisfied can go to court. We have solid ground on that", he said.

He added that the card readers would curb electoral malpractices, as cloned cards would be detected.
Mr. Jega said INEC will perform a mock test on the card readers.

He said some tests had already been taken in the United States, and will now be tested in the six geopolitical zones.

"The card reader has passed in all the 13 test categories conducted in terms of its durability and versatility", he said.

Mr. Jega said the postponement of the general elections will enable INEC to have a flawless, near-perfect elections.

INEC National Commissioners are to visit state offices to conduct evaluation and comprehensively determine the level of preparation in the election.

He said after the visit, the commission will meet with the heads of departments and directorates of units to conduct a comprehensive assessment, to figure out additional things to be done before March 28.

Mr Jega said a meeting with the inter-agency committee on security will hold a meeting to discuss security on the Election Day, PREMIUM TIMES reports.





















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Posted: at 18-02-2015 09:04 PM (10 years ago) | Addicted Hero

Up GEJ untill devil repent

Posted: at 18-02-2015 09:31 PM (10 years ago) | Upcoming

hummmm

Posted: at 18-02-2015 09:44 PM (10 years ago) | Hero

PDP yeye fow ,dey dnt want jega 2 use card reader so dat dey have chance 2 rig d election,God no go gree 4 na basterd

Posted: at 18-02-2015 10:03 PM (10 years ago) | Upcoming

Posted: at 18-02-2015 10:16 PM (10 years ago) | Gistmaniac

Agreed ...... Amen to ur prayer ...... Wind of change is going to blow anybody accross its path ......... JONAH is trying to play GBAGBO here ...and Nigerians are nt the ivorians at all ........   THey shall drag him out from that oFfice and throwey him into  OTUOKE River by force .... ( cluessless being ) Nigerians are watching ooooooooo

Posted: at 18-02-2015 10:23 PM (10 years ago) | Gistmaniac

PDP can't postpone the evil day forever.

Posted: at 18-02-2015 11:01 PM (10 years ago) | Hero

Jonathan will rule unchallenged.  una never see anything. Power!!!

Posted: at 18-02-2015 11:23 PM (10 years ago) | Hero

Jonathan is a failure joooor, Animal Doctor can't Doctor humans

Posted: at 19-02-2015 01:15 AM (10 years ago) | Upcoming

Mr Dennis_005....i don't know why you people talk so carelessly at a slightest moment.....maybe one day a primary school pupil will wake up and challenge your hard earned degree if you actually have one and perhaps value those that have it........must you talk unguarded by insulting your president....one day you will tend to hold any public position and the evil you perpetrate on ones integrity will finds you out...don't throw stone at the glass house.....i don't know the religion affiliate of yours but bible says pray for your leaders ...the only positive instrument for change is prayer....not by thy power or verbal attack that that can change things.....may God open your eyes to live by truth and respect to authority

Posted: at 19-02-2015 08:13 AM (10 years ago) | Upcoming