Has INEC the muscle to punish politicians who jump the gun?

Fri, Jun 14, 2013
By publisher
2 MIN READ

Vox Pop

MIXED reactions have trailed the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to clampdown on politicians and political parties now campaigning for 2015 elections. Some Nigerians believe that INEC can punish offenders irrespective of who they are, while others see it as an empty threat. Below are what some Nigerians say concerning the ban.

Anayochukwu Obiajunwa, Civil Servant: I’m in full support of INEC and I believe it can punish those behind illegal posters of contestants for the 2015 general elections. This is illegal because the rules of engagement are clearly stipulated by the electoral act 2010 as amended. The campaigns are supposed to start when the commission releases the time table for the elections. But some politicians have already jumped the gun.

Ali
Ali

Grace Ali, Teacher: INEC can do it because the posters are only heating up the polity and the people in power would not concentrate on governing the people again. All their attention would shift to campaign rather than governance; this is not good for our democracy.

Odey
Odey

Cyril Odey, Public Servant: INEC can’t do anything. This is just a political statement which the PDP wants to use to witch-hunt the opposition. What would INEC do to President Goodluck Jonathan, who is also pasting his posters everywhere?

Elezue
Elezue

Obike Elezue, Trader: I see this as a means for the PDP to hunt down the opposition because in liberal democracies, there is no timeline for campaigns in actual sense, whatever provisions is in the electoral act, INEC must enforce them.

Ani
Ani

John Ani, Banker: INEC is just jumping the gun here. This warning is unwarranted. What I see happening now are political alignments, adjustments and political posturing. And, as far as I can tell, none of these poses any danger or threat to our democracy. So, what is INEC up to? Is INEC trying to silence or intimidate the opposition?

Okechukwu
Okechukwu

Simon Okechukwu, Social Commentator: INEC is completely right by banning all political parties from embarking on elections campaigns before the time. It should match this ban with action, which is the only thing that would convince Nigerians that the commission are not working for the presidency.

Compiled by Anayo Ezugwu 

— Jun. 24, 2013 @ 01:00 GMT

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4 thoughts on "Has INEC the muscle to punish politicians who jump the gun?"

  1. Yes INEC should have that right to control and even met out punitive measures against erring parties. It must be allowed to act with enough tangible power as do Sanusi over banks and NAFDAC over drug and food manufacturers. A point of concern however is the insulation of INEC from some prejudice through interference by rulling parties

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