By; VICTOR DAZANG
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Professor Mahmood Yakubu said the outcome of the commission’s recent retreat must have real effect on electoral process to achieving four cardinal principles of transparency, integrity, credibility and impartiality.
He stated this in a welcome address at the commission’s strategic retreat recently held at the Intercontinental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The Chairman explained that the main purpose of the retreat is to reflect on the constitutionally and legally defined responsibilities, appraise success and challenges and how the commission could perfect subsequent elections. He further explained that the retreat was also designed to achieve introspection and projection and to review the strategic plan towards the development of new propelling strategies. He identified practical yardsticks of judging the commission namely as; expected actions prior to elections such as updated voter register and expectation of prompt polling units running.
Also the Country Director of International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES), Shalva Kipshidze who was in attendance said institutional success is characterised by willingness to plan.
He also added that the review of the 2012-2016 plan is pivotal as it will elevate the democratic process and assist in strengthening subsequent plan.
