The Independent National Electoral Commission has said that it de-registered some political parties in the country to avoid confusion during elections.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner in Ekiti State, Alhaji Haliru Pai, made this known during a stakeholders meeting and the REC’s working visit to Efon Local Government Area of the state on Tuesday.

Pai, who emphasised the need for stakeholders to partner INEC to ensure free, fair and credible elections in 2014, said the commission was empowered by the Electoral Act to de-register any political party which did not win any elective position.

He said, “INEC is empowered by the Electoral Act to de-register political parties that are causing confusion in our electioneering. In Ekiti State Central Senatorial District to be precise, a court ordered re-election because some political parties that were hardly known said election should be cancelled because their names were not on the ballot paper.

“The court cancelled the election as a result of that. It is on that basis that INEC is de-registering some political parties that did not win any elective office.

“Section 70, sub-section 8 and 5 and Section 78, 7 empowers INEC to deregister some parties. With this, ballot papers would be clearer to voters. They will help voters to identify the political parties they want to vote for. As it is, there are acronyms that are almost the same on the ballot papers. You will see AC, ACN, PDP, PPM, etc on them.

“If your party does not win presidential, governorship, national or state assembly seat, it will be deregistered. It means you are not there for anybody. Instead of being there and causing confusion, such party is better removed.”

Assuring the public of the commission’s readiness to ensure free and fair election in the state, the REC said, “In fulfilment of our mandate as an unbiased electoral umpire, INEC is ensuring that all aspects of election are firmed up. This, we shall do by providing a levelled playing field for free, fair, credible and internationally-recognised election.

“The essence of this working visit is clearly defined. Without the stakeholders, INEC cannot carry out the roles that are given to it by the constitution.

“Every stakeholder has its roles without which the INEC job would not run smoothly. We are to listen to all of you and ensure that we inculcate good voting habit in the electorate.”

He advised politicians against inciting the youth during electioneering.

Pai said, “We notice that politicians sometimes negatively engage the youth to cause violence. This should no longer be happening. It is high time we said no to misleading of the youth.

“When you play the game according to the rule, litigation would no longer be a common feature after elections.

“The Electoral Officer in Efon LGA, Emmanuel Adedipe, said, “As contained in part 1 section 2 of the Electoral Act 2010 and as amended, the concept of voter education is a statutory mandate of INEC.

“The commission will engender continuous dialogue and consultation and re-awaken the public on their primary roles,” he said.

mannobi: If i have my wish i will deregister Pdp, but since i cant, i will just port to Apc. Two party system will be ok for naija

L.M Ayedun..:
APC & PDP.
A two party system will just be the best for this Country.
But greed & selfish interest won't let that work in Nigeria.

Yungwizzzy: jega pls help de-register PDP cos it's dead!!

Yungwizzzy: jega pls help de-register PDP cos it's dead!!

Lilimax:
Which one is still alive?
Is it the Association of Political Criminals or the Amala Peoples Congress
I jump una pass ?

wellmax:

One word, Childishness.

Neyova: Finally finally! My post made front page! Feeling excited, dem go hear 4 my church on sunday. Thanksgiving tinz.

Yungwizzzy: jega pls help de-register PDP cos it's dead!!

Dpeacemaker101: English hard oo. So you didn't u dear stand what the post was all about, Abeg make dem call off strike make you go learn

Baba Oyee!:
Two-party system would have been ideal for this country as was in time of SDP and NRC during Gen Babangida era. However since Multi-party system is adopted,no party should be de-registered. A non viable party today may be a winning party tomorrow.No hopeless situation in life except you agree it is hopeless.