Jega urges INEC to sustain reform for improved electoral process

Following the successful conduct of the 2015 general elections, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega Monday said it’s time for the commission to begin to consider reforms that will help improve electoral process.

Jega who spoke in Abuja at a post 2015 general election retreat organized for electoral officers said despite the global commendation and applause that greeted the recent election, there is still room for improvement.

He stressed that the success recorded was as a result of the sacrifice and energy put in to improve on the 2011 general elections.

Consequently, the INEC boss said that officers should take time to review the performance of the commission in the last elections, and point out  areas where the commission has not done well with a view to improve on such areas in future elections.

INEC boss argued that for the country to continue to develop; it needs credible and good elections.

He said: “Well conducted elections will result in the election of good people which can drive the process of governance very well and deliver good governance for our people.

“Good governance in terms of satisfying the need and aspirations of our people through the governance process.

“So we must continue to do our best to improve election the electoral process and we cannot rest on our oars in addressing all the challenges associated with elections,’’ Jega said.

Jega also added that the success of the 2015 general elections was as a result of the efforts and measure took by INEC staff to work on mistakes of the 2011 elections.

He said in spite of the accolades INEC got on 2015 general elections, it was time to begin to reflect on areas of further reforms need.

“Let us not waste time discussing what we did right.

“What we did right was good and it has helped us to have a good election in 2011 and 2015 but let us focus on what we did wrong.

“What were those things that we shouldn’t have done which you have observed as field officers that we did which we need to correct or improve on as we move towards the future,’’ he said.

Jega was however full of praises for the electoral officers for their roles in the 2015 elections, which according to him made the elections a success.

He said, “We have worked very hard, tirelessly under very difficult circumstances to get this outcome.

“Obviously, we recognise that in spite of our best effort, we have not been able to create the best and the excellent environment under which you are to conduct your jobs.

“ In spite of the constraint, and the challenges, you  have all done your best and your best this time around has been recognised as being good enough.”

He therefore urged participants at the retreat to discuss on measures to improve the electoral process as well their welfare.

Mr. Shalva Kipshidze, the IFES Country Director in his remark congratulated the Commission for the successful conduct of the 2015 elections.

Kipshidze said that IFES was happy to support INEC’s effort to review the conduct of the 2015 elections as to build on the good practices and lessons learnt as Nigeria prepare for 2019 general elections.

The post Jega urges INEC to sustain reform for improved electoral process appeared first on The Nation.

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