The Independent National
Electoral Commission (INEC) has threatened to halt the governorship elections
in Edo and Ondo amid the violence in the two states.
At its meeting on Thursday, INEC
said it will not hesitate to halt the elections if the actions of political
actors threaten law and order before or during the polls.
Ahead of the elections in Edo and
Ondo, scheduled for September 19 and October 10 respectively, some political
rallies have been marred by violence.
In July, 10 persons were wounded
when gunshots rocked the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) rally in Edo.
In a statement issued by Festus
Okoye, its spokesman, INEC said it is deeply concerned by the “escalating
levels of violent actions and incendiary statements” by parties, candidates and
their supporters in the two states.
“It is important for political
parties, candidates and their supporters to keep in mind that there are extant
laws and regulations that they must adhere to during campaigns,” the electoral
umpire said, adding that it “will not shirk its responsibility to enforce the
rules of the game”.
The statement further read:
“Consequently, parties and candidates must on no account underestimate the
resolve of the Commission to enforce the rules and regulations and apply
appropriate sanctions against those who choose to break them. The Commission
remains determined to conduct peaceful elections in the two States and in the
outstanding National and State Assembly bye-elections.
“Political Parties must realize
that Edo and Ondo Governorship elections are taking place at a time of a global
pandemic and the Commission is working assiduously to observe and comply with
all health and safety protocols issued by the Commission and health
authorities.
“Political Parties must remember
that Edo and Ondo Governorship Elections have strict constitutional and
statutory timelines and threats of violence or actual violence can disrupt
those timelines and create a constitutional crisis.
“The Commission wishes to
reassure the people of Edo and Ondo States of its determination to conduct
credible and safe elections in the two states. The Commission shall not
hesitate to discontinue the process should the actions of political actors lead
to cogent and verifiable threat and/or breakdown of law and order before or
during the elections.”
INEC earlier warned that it would
not declare any winner if there was an outbreak of violence in the course of an
election.
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