Citing the need to democratic process in the country, the Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega, yesterday called on the National Assembly to review areas of ambiguity in the Electoral Act 2010 as amended.
Speaking in Calabar, Cross River State, during the presentation of Certificate of Return to successful candidates in the April 2011 polls, Jega, who was represented by INEC National Commissioner South South, Mrs. Thelma Iremiren, said: "There is need to take a second look at the Electoral Act 2010 as amended.
The electoral umpire, who said "the elections and processes leading up to it were by no means perfect as there is nothing perfect in life," adding, "There are certain grey areas in the Electoral Act, which needs to be reviewed in order to strengthen the democratic process.''
He promised Nigerians that the 2015 elections would be better than the recently concluded one, adding, "you will, however, agree with me that it is one of the best elections this nation has ever experienced. We have learnt lessons and 2015 elections, we pray will be better still."
The chairman of INEC after describing the legislators elect victory as a triumph for democratic process, urged them to render essential services to the people and give their best when they assume office.
Earlier, Mr. Mike Igini, State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), noted that there was imperfection in the elections and promised that the commission would develop the process for the benefit of Nigeria and Nigerians.
He said that the commission would help to redefine the electoral processes to ensure meaningful and purposeful democracy in the country.
"We also hope that the public and the stakeholders will learn from the lessons of these elections to develop the electoral process in the country,'' while calling to agree to work together to bring about a new electoral templates that could build a strong and virile nation.
He also disclosed that "there were lots of spelling errors during the process of certificate issuance and we had requested to get it corrected, but unfortunately Prof. Jega is out of the country, and this will be corrected in a few days time when he comes back. There is no encumbrance to any character.
Responding on behalf of the legislators-elect, Senate Deputy Leader, Victor Ndoma-Egba, representing Central Senatorial District commended the INEC for conducting one of the best elections in the country.
Ndoma-Egba said that a virile opposition was healthy for the democracy in Nigeria, stressing that a virile democracy will enhance and "elevate our democracy." It will also help, enhance and elevate our democracy, but it is not the responsibility of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to nurture an opposition.
A total of 31 state and federal lawmakers collected their certificates.
Source: Jega wants N'Assembly to revisit Electoral Act (http://ngrguardiannews.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=47813:jega-wants-nassembly-to-revisit-electoral-act&catid=1:national&Itemid=559)