Postponement: SERAP calls for electoral reforms

Postponement: SERAP calls for electoral reforms

- The INEC has been asked to push for reforms of Nigeria’s electoral system

- SERAP said the current electoral process is vulnerable to corruption

- The organisation called on the masses to play active roles in the fight against corruption

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to push for reforms of Nigeria’s electoral system after the postponement of the general elections.

Channels TV reports that the SERAP made the call on Sunday, February 17, in a statement issued by its deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare.

“It is clear that the current electoral process is vulnerable to corruption, but politicians would seem to have little incentive to comprehensively reform, upgrade and modernise it.

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“It is unlikely that either the federal government or the National Assembly would take the steps necessary to sort out our electoral system, and improve transparency, accountability and integrity of the electoral process," he said.

The organisation called on the masses to play active roles in the fight against corruption while reacting to calls for the resignation of the INEC chairman, Mahmood Yakuku.

It said: “Calling for the resignation of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu rather than addressing the root causes of persistent postponement of elections is a blatant attempt by politicians to scapegoat the electoral commission.

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“We urge Nigerians to take a more active role in the fight against corruption, including by putting pressure on the authorities at the federal and state levels and the National Assembly to comprehensively reform, upgrade and modernize our electoral system and processes. Otherwise, citizens’ right to participate in the governance system will remain a ‘hollow right."

According to the organisation, the right to vote is considered a part of an individual’s fundamental right to political participation and persistent postponement of elections in the country raises serious questions about the legitimacy and integrity of Nigeria’s fledgling democracy.

Meanwhile, Legit.ng had reported that NEC chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, announced the postponement on Saturday, February 16, at a press briefing morning held at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

The INEC boss said: “Following a careful review of the implementation of its logistics and operational plan, and the determination to conduct free, fair, and credible elections, the commission came to the conclusion that proceeding with the elections as scheduled is no longer feasible."

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Source: Legit.ng

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