INEC To Sanction Political Parties Who Fail To Comply To Election Timetable

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it will sanction political parties over non-compliance with its timetable for the 2015 general elections.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega made this known in an interview, where he advised politicians and  political parties to adhere strictly to the timetable.

“The time table has long been issued and it is on our (INEC) website.

“I will advise people, particularly politicians and political parties to adhere strictly to that timetable.

“The times when campaign will begin, when primaries will be conducted, when candidates will be nominated.

“That is very important because non compliance with the election timetable may also contribute to election offences,” Jega said.

He noted that the Electoral Act has clearly stated what constitutes campaign.

“Recently, we have worked very closely with political parties.

“Now we have issued guidelines which clearly define what campaign is and which has identified what constitutes an offence in the process of campaigning,” he said.

“With these guidelines, we hope now that there will be no ambiguity, and therefore sanctions should apply,” Jega added.