INEC should adopt electronic voting system

Stories by Patrick Andrew  with agency report

The National Conference Committee on Political Parties and Electoral Matters has recommended that the Independent National Electoral Commision (INEC) should ensure that the latest technology is deployed at all times in the conduct of elections as obtained in other climes.

The report of the committee was presented to the plenary of conference on Monday, by its Co-Chairmen, Senator Iyorchia Ayu and Sen. Ken Nnamani.

The committee said that biometric data of all voters should be captured, stored and used for elections.

The committee also recommended 10 years ban for anybody convicted of any electoral offence from contesting any election.

“Any person convicted of any electoral offence should be disqualified for ten years from the date of conviction from contesting any election.

“Such a person should be disqualified from holding any elective or appointive position either in government or political party,” the committee recommended.

It named the offences to include registration, campaign finance and political party finance breaches.

The committee also recommended that any action challenging the conduct of primaries by a political party shall be filed within 14 days of the cause of action.

The committee called for the enforcement of code of conduct for political parties already drawn up by the Inter-Party Advisory Council.

In the course of screening nominees of the President for any INEC position, the committee recommended that the Senate should set aside at least two weeks to allow for public objection, if any.

The committee recommended that to enhance party’s independence and discipline, all members must submit themselves to the principle of party supremacy.

According to it, all elected members of the party must respect party decisions at all times.

The committee also recommended that relevant sections of the Constitution and the Electoral Act be amended to provide for independent candidacy during elections.