- The Independent National Electoral Commission have been directed to remain free and fair during the forthcoming 2019 general elections
- The directive was given to INEC and all security agencies across Nigeria by President Muhammadu Buhari
- According to the president, democracy can only be enthroned through free and fair election
President Muhammadu Buhari has assured Nigerians that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) would remain independent during the forthcoming 2019 general election.
Speaking on Monday, January 7, during the inauguration of 2019 APC Presidential Campaign Council at the International Conference Centre in Abuja said he has directed INEC to be free and fair in the 2019 general election.
President Buhari said he gave a strict directive to the electoral body and all security agencies across the country to ensure that citizens vote for candidates of their choice without intimidation in any form.
He said he wanted to leave a legacy of an enthroned democracy through free and fair elections in Nigeria.
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"In addition, the quality of elections since 2015 has continued to improve with declining levels of problems that have defined elections in the past. Free, fair and credible elections are the foundation of political stability and peace in any nation," Buhari said.
"We have insisted that votes must count and have maintained a policy of non-interference in elections. INEC has so far since 2015, conducted fair and credible elections in 195 constituencies nationwide, which have been attested nationwide to be qualitatively better than previous elections.
"Let me reiterate my commitment to free and fair elections. If there is one legacy I want to leave is the enthronement of democracy as a system of government. And for democracy to be enthroned, elections must be free and fair.
"That means citizens have a right to vote for candidates of their choice without intimidation in any form. I have warned INEC and security agencies to that effect," Buhari added.
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Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that INEC had introduced an application that will make it possible for every Nigerian to be an election observer and report live from their polling units.
The disclosure was made on Thursday, December 27, by INEC national commissioner and chairman, Board of the Electoral Institute, Mustapha Leeky, while declaring open a three-day workshop on electoral security training in Abuja.
The application, which has geo-referencing features that can enable the electoral body’s officials to identify wherever challenges may arise, can be download for free on INEC website or Google Play Store.
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Source: Legit.ng
