AWKA – The newly appointed Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has announced a commitment to “electoral justice” as a core strategy to curb the high volume of post-election litigation in Nigeria.
Speaking to journalists in Awka, Prof. Amupitan acknowledged the right of candidates to seek legal redress but stated his goal is to conduct elections so transparent and compliant with the law that contestants would see no justification to challenge the outcomes.
“One of the things I want to introduce in this country is electoral justice. So that if you lose, you know you have lost,” the INEC Chairman said. He explained that when justice is perceived to have been served, more candidates would accept the results, naturally reducing the number of court cases.
To achieve this, Prof. Amupitan emphasized the need for strict adherence to the Constitution, the Electoral Act, and INEC guidelines by all stakeholders. He revealed that the commission is also working on proposals for amendments to the Electoral Act that would impose penalties for filing frivolous petitions, compelling litigants to refund costs incurred by INEC.
Other measures include improving logistical planning, such as meticulous vetting of vehicles and drivers for election day, and promoting greater inclusivity in the electoral process, particularly for Persons with Disabilities.
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Disclaimer: This article reports on statements and plans announced by the INEC Chairman. The implementation and effectiveness of these proposed measures are yet to be realized and will be subject to public and stakeholder scrutiny.
