INEC suspends meetings with political parties, others

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has suspended meetings with political parties, security agencies, media and other stakeholders indefinitely due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

It said the commission would no longer monitor the conventions, congresses, conferences or meetings of political parties until further notice.

National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye, made the disclosure in a statement yesterday in Abuja.

He said effective Tuesday, March 24, 2020 (today) all regular and non-essential activities would be suspended at its headquarters and offices nationwide for 14 days in the first instance.

He restated INEC’s commitment to openness, consultation and continued communication with its stakeholders and expects all to understand the emergency situation that informed the suspension of contact engagements.

“The health and wellbeing of all our staff, officials and the general public are of paramount importance to us.

“Notwithstanding the measures outlined above, the commission will continue to meet via non-physical contact channels, while communication between the commission and its stakeholders will remain open.

“For emphasis, the new measures taken do not affect the activities for Edo and Ondo governorship elections scheduled for 19th September and 10th October 2020 respectively.

“We will continue to keep the public abreast of developments, as they concern the nation’s electoral processes,” he said.