The House of Representatives is to investigate why the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has not deregistered any political party in compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act.
This is sequel to a motion sponsored by Hon. Francis Charles Uduyok requesting the House to call on the Commission to implement the provisions of Section 78 (7)(ii) of the Electoral Act empowering them to deregister parties that did not win at least a seat in either the state or National Assembly elections.
Presenting the motion, Uduyok said Section 78 subsection 7(ii) of the Electoral Act 2010 gives the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) the powers to deregister political parties.
He said if Section 78 (7) (ii) of the Electoral Act is fully implemented, it would regulate the numerous political parties, reduce election costs, as well as reduce void votes caused by the inability of citizens to comprehend the long list of political parties on ballot papers.
The House Committee on Electoral Matters was mandated “to investigate in order to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the non-implementation of Section 78 (7) (ii) of the Electoral Act by the Independent National Electoral Commission to ensure compliance and report back within four (4) weeks for further legislative action.”
