INEC worried over increasing cases of electoral violence

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has raised concern over the increasing spate of electoral violence in the country.

INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, made the observation on Thursday in Abuja during a meeting with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and the Media

He said that the situation was becoming worrisome despite peace accord political parties and their candidates were made to sign before Election Day.

“The spate of election violence is worrisome to the commission and we need to find a way to address it.

“Peace pact was signed before the Kogi and Bayelsa governorship elections but we all know what happened.

“For us as a commission, we believe that until and unless electoral offeners are dealt with, we will continue to have electoral violence in the nation,” Yakubu said.

The Chairman solicited the input of the CSOs and the Media on how to address the negative trend based on their experiences on the field.

He stressed the need for the Media and the CSOs to partner INEC to improve the country’s electoral process.

He also solicited their collaboration and partnership on public sensitisation of the commission’s programmes and electoral issues.

Yakubu solicited the input of the stakeholders on how to address issues relating to inconclusive elections and the deployment of security among others.

He promised that INEC would continue to partner with critical stakeholders including the Media and the CSOs to improve electoral processes.