INEC Releases Application Portal For Observers Monitoring Feb 3 Re-run Elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has invited for an application for the monitoring of February 3, Re-run election into the offices of Senators, House of Representatives and State Houses of Assembly by registered Election Observers, Civil Society Organization (CSOs) and Non-Governmental Organization (NGOs) as well as other interested bye-elections, re-run-election stakeholders.

According to a statement released by theA Acting. Director, (EPM) Hauwa Habib said, any one who wish to monitor the February 3, election should visit the INEC portal at (http://observergroups.inecnigeria.org) and complete the application form. This is without prejudice to any previous correspondence with the Commission.

It equally said that, the Completion of the prescribed application form (EC14A(l) remains the only accepted means of application.

Also, observer groups are asked to particularly note that all other information including legal status (registration with CAC), evidence of registration with the Civil Society Desk at INEC-Headquarters, evidence of registration previous election observation with INEC (if any), acknowledgment of submission of reports of observation (if any) should accompany the application.

Saying, any falsification of documents in the submissions will lead to automatic disqualification and possible prosecution.

The deadline for this submission of application is 17th January, 2024; while the list of successful observer groups approved for accreditation will subsequently be published on the Commission’s website and EPM Observer’s WhatsApp platform.

“The vacancies for the bye-elections/re-run-elections occurred across two Senatorial Districts, four Federal Constituencies, and three State Constituencies spanning nine States of the Federation.

“Furthermore, the Commission is conducting bye-elections/re-run elections stemming from the 2023 general election, as directed by various election petition Appeal Tribunals.

“Currently, 35 Constituencies are affected by these Court-ordered elections, while three cover entire constituencies, others involve only a few polling units.

“Both categories of elections are scheduled to take place simultaneously in all affected constituencies on Saturday 3rd February, 2024”, it said.