Stop proposed 30,000 polling units, Nigerian professionals abroad tell Jega font size decrease font size increase font size Print Email | 30.Oct.2014 | DISQUS_COMMENTS | Rate this item 1 2 3 4 5 (1 Vote) NIGERIAN professionals in the United States (US) have called for a stop to the proposed additional 30,000 polling units by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). In a statement signed by the president, Dechi Dariye and secretary, Osahon Osagie, the group urged INEC to abort the plan, noting that it may have regressive consequences for the forthcoming 2015 electoral process in Nigeria. The group wondered why INEC would base its decision on a report by Dr Lisa Handley, a renowned consultant on delimitation, who had advised that the commission required a minimum of three years in-between general election to commence and conclude a review of constituencies and secure the approval of the National Assembly. While the group agreed that there was the need to create more polling units, due to congestion and emergence of new settlements, it noted that there was no credible scientific evidence to support the formula used to create the new polling units. “We note that the Senate Committee in Nigeria responsible for oversight functions on election management has advised against continuing with the new polling unit allocations, because of the limited time required to embark upon a credible process, following international benchmarks. “We see this as a realistic corroboration of the Handley recommendations, but sadly, despite public denials by the electoral commission under your leadership, we hear of subterranean efforts to surge ahead with the new polling units, despite professional recommendations and legislative oversight disapproval,” the group added. It further noted with dismay that the development was being introduced few months to the 2015 elections. The group saluted the efforts of the commission, led by Professor Attahiru Jega, but urged him not to allow his decision to be inspired by sectional or regional interest
Posted on: Sun, 02 Nov 2014 22:10:19 +0000
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