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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has clarified the reason why individuals arrested for vote-buying during the recent governorship election in Anambra State have not yet been charged in court.
During a stakeholders’ forum on elections held by the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room on Thursday in Abuja, the Chairman of the Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, stated that while INEC has the legal authority to prosecute electoral offenders, the security agencies responsible for the arrests have not yet submitted their investigation reports to the Commission.
Amupitan explained that the electoral body has been working closely with the relevant agencies to obtain these reports.
“I’m pleased to know that you are aware of the arrests, and many are asking, what actions have been taken?”
“We are in contact with the police, the EFCC, and other agencies. We require their reports on the investigations related to those who were arrested.
“INEC's role is to prosecute, not to arrest. Currently, we lack that capacity.
“We are coordinating with law enforcement agencies to ensure that those arrested will have their opportunity to appear in court,” he stated.
He emphasized that to safeguard democracy, technological integrity must be complemented by political accountability.
The INEC chairman lamented that a poor telecommunication network continues to be the Commission’s greatest challenge in achieving real-time uploads of election results from the 176,000 polling units across the country, many of which are situated in remote areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why haven't those arrested for vote-buying been charged?
The security agencies that conducted the arrests have not submitted their investigation reports to INEC, which is necessary for prosecution.
What is INEC's role in prosecuting electoral offenders?
INEC has the statutory power to prosecute electoral offenders, but it does not have the authority to arrest individuals.
What challenges does INEC face in uploading election results?
INEC faces significant challenges due to poor telecommunication networks, which hinder the real-time upload of election results from polling units, especially in remote areas.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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