INEC: Inconclusive Elections Improve Integrity of Electoral System

 

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Kaduna State on Thursday issued certificates of return to the re-elected Governor of the state, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai; the Deputy Governor-elect, Dr. Hadiza Balarabe, and  34 members-elect of the state House of Assembly.

Speaking at the occasion which was held at the state INEC headquarters, the National Commissioner supervising Niger, Kaduna and Kaduna States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Prof. Antonia Okoosi-Simbine, attributed the growing phenomenon of inconclusive elections in the country to deepening democracy and improving the integrity of the electoral system.

She, however, decried the attitude of some political parties and candidates who engaged in violent behaviour, including the manhandling of election officials, intimidation of voters as well as Collation and Returning Officers during the 2019 elections.

According to her, “Nigerian democracy was deepening incrementally having conducted sixth successive elections without an interregnum, so there is improved integrity in the electoral system.

“Elections in Nigeria are becoming more competitive, and the margin between winners and runners-up are decreasing to the extent that in many instances, elections into the executive and legislature are increasingly becoming inconclusive.

”This explains why the phenomenon of inconclusive elections appears to have increased.

“To be sure, this existed prior to the existence of the present commission. We cannot expect less when a few big parties are contesting for power at every level.”

She said the situation was further compounded by lack of internal democracy and the desperate quest for power by politicians and their supporters.

”The pathetic crisis of lack of internal democracy in the parties and the desperation of the candidates and their supporters, driven by the fear of losing all, tend to compound the problem.

”Let me particularly mention the negative role of violence in our elections. Democratic elections are rule-based and those parties, candidates and supporters who resort to self-help by taking the path of violence undermine the virtues of democratic elections which include choice in absolute freedom and peace.

“Unfortunately, the 2019 elections marked a new trend in which some parties and candidates engaged in violent behaviour, including manhandling election duty officials and intimidation of voters, collation and returning officers,” the INEC National commissioner said.

Okoosi-Simbine said the commission viewed the trend with grave concerns and would continue to work on greater voter enlightenment for mandate protection as well as with the security agencies to curtail the ugly trend.

She advised individuals and political parties not satisfied with the outcome of the elections to seek judicial remedy where they believe they have genuine case(s) to pursue.

According to National Commissioner, “Indeed, seeking judicial remedy is not only a part and parcel of the electoral process in Nigeria, it is consistent with the culture of democracy as opposed to resorting to self-help.”

She congratulated the people of Kaduna State and stakeholders for their conduct during the elections and commended security agencies for their  “extraordinary” performance.

While congratulating el-Rufai for his re-election, Okoosi-Simbine said: “I believe that your re-election is a referendum in which the people of Kaduna State have passed a vote of confidence.

“I encourage you to deliver more material benefits to the diversity of the people in the state in order to meet their governance expectations.

“I also congratulate the elected state assembly members, including those who are returning. I hope that you will provide the necessary oversight for the executive and put the state in a good stead to deliver the benefits of democracy.”