The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the receipt of 12 more applications from associations seeking registration as political parties.
This follows an earlier update on June 23, when INEC disclosed that 110 associations had submitted letters of intent to become political parties.
In a statement on Thursday, Sam Olumekun, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, revealed that details of the new applications — including the names, acronyms, addresses, and interim leaders of the associations — have been published on the commission’s website and other official platforms for public awareness.
“The Commission is processing these applications transparently and in fairness to all applicants,” the statement reads.
“However, the Commission notes that one association has already changed its interim secretary as a result of defection to another association.
“To facilitate the consideration of these applications, the Commission appeals to associations to maintain consistency of their proposed leadership and addresses so that they do not by their own actions cause a delay to the timely consideration of their applications.”
Olumekun added that the commission has also provided supplementary regulations and guidelines for the review of election results, as empowered by section 65 of the Electoral Act 2022.
“There have been many interpretations of Section 65 of the Electoral Act, making it necessary for the Commission to use its powers under the law to issue Regulations, Guidelines or Manuals for the purpose of giving effect to the provisions of the Act and for its administration,” he said.
“Clear procedure and timelines have now been provided, the details of which are contained in Supplementary No.1 to the main Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of Elections 2022.
“As approved by the Commission, the supplementary regulations and guidelines have been uploaded to the Commission’s website and other platforms for public information.”