Reps to probe INEC for not de-registering political parties

THE House of Representatives is set to investigate the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for failing to de-register any political party in compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act.

This followed a motion by Francis Charles Uduyok, representing Ikot Abasi/Mkpat Enin/Eastern Obolo Federal Constituency of Akwa Ibom State.

The lawmaker requested the House to make the Commission implement the provisions of Section 78 (7)(ii) of the Electoral Act, which empowers it to deregister parties that does not win at least one seat in either the State or National Assembly.

Presenting the motion, Uduyok informed the House that Section 78, subsection 7(ii) of the Electoral Act 2010, gives INEC the powers to de-register political parties.

He said: “Note that Section 78, sub-section 7 (ii) of the Electoral Aft 2010 confers on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) the power to deregister political parties.

“Also notes that the aforementioned sub-section clearly states that failure of any political party to win at least one (1) seat in the National or State Assembly Elections will result in de-registration of such political party.”

The lawmaker said he was “concerned that since the commencement of the Act, Section 78 (7) (ii) has not been fully implemented, given the rising number of political parties in Nigeria with neither a seat in either a State House of Assembly or the National Assembly”.

He stressed that if Section 78 (7) (ii) of the Electoral Act was fully implemented, it would regulate the numerous political parties, reduce election costs, as well as reduce void votes caused by the inability of citizens to comprehend the long list of political parties on ballot papers.

The House Committee on Electoral Matters was mandated “to investigate (the matter) in order to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the non-implementation of Section 78 (7) (ii) of the Electoral Act by the Independent National Electoral Commission to ensure compliance and report back within four weeks for further legislative action”.