The Independent National Electoral commission, INEC has reminded political parties to adhere strickly to the 14 items contained in the schedule of activities for the 2023 General Elections.
A statement by INEC national commissioner for information, Festus Okoye expresses worry that no party has informed the commission of the date of its primary which begins from the 4th of April to 3rd June 2022.
The statement adds that parties must adhere strictly to the principles of internal democracy, drawing from their constitutions, guidelines, the Electoral Act and other Regulations and Guidelines issued by the Commission. Their candidates for the 1,491 constituencies for which elections will be conducted in 2023 must emerge from democratic, transparent and valid primaries, in line with the provisions of Sections 29 and 84 of the Electoral Act, 2022. Where a political party fails to comply with the provisions of the Act in the conduct of its primaries, its candidate shall not be included in the election for the particular position in issue.