From Romanus Ugwu, Abuja
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has opened application portal for those desiring to monitor next month’s February 3 re-run election into the offices of Senators, House of Representatives and State Houses of Assembly.
The applications, according to the statement signed by Ag Director, (EPM) Hauwa Habib, revealed that registered Election Observers, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) as well as other interested bye-elections, re-run-election stakeholders are required to apply.
The commission further noted that any one wishing to monitor the February 3 bye-elections, should visit the portal and complete the application form, adding that it is without prejudice to any prelvious correspondence with the commission.
It noted that the completion of the prescribed application form (EC14A(l) remains the only accepted means of application.
The statement also directed observer groups to note that all other information including legal status (registration with CAC), evidence of registration with the Civil Society Desk at INEC-Headquarters, evidence of registration previous election observation with INEC (if any), and acknowledgment of submission of reports of observation (if any) should accompany the application.
It warned that, “any falsification of documents in the submissions will lead to automatic disqualification and possible prosecution. The deadline for this submission of application is January 17, 2024; while the list of successful observer groups approved for accreditation will subsequently be published on the commission’s website.
“The vacancies for the bye-elections/re-run elections occurred across two senatorial districts, four federal constituencies, and three state constituencies spanning nine states of the federation.
“Furthermore, the commission is conducting bye-elections/re-run elections stemming from the 2023 general election, as directed by various election petition Appeal Tribunals.
“Currently, 35 constituencies are affected by these Court-ordered elections, while three cover entire constituencies, others involve only a few polling units.
“Both categories of elections are scheduled to take place simultaneously in all affected constituencies on Saturday 3rd February, 2024,” it statement read.