INEC Releases Guidelines For Political Party Campaigns, Election Expenses

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has approved the publication and release of the guidelines for political campaigns; as well as election expenses of political parties, candidates, and aspirants.

In a statement released on Thursday by the National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye, the Commission said it has consequently uploaded the documents to its website and social media handles while copies would be made available to political parties, civil society groups, the media, and other critical stakeholders.

According to the statement, the electoral body met on Thursday and deliberated on several issues including the publication and release of the guidelines, as well as consideration of the appointment of a Secretary to the commission.

Part of the statement read, “The commission approved the publication and release of the guidelines for the Conduct of Political Rallies, Processions and Campaigns as well as that of Finances and Election Expenses of political parties, Candidates and Aspirants.”

The commission also reminded political parties of their obligation to submit required reports in line with the provisions of section 90 (4) of the Electoral Act 2022 and the applicable sanctions for failure to comply.

“All political parties were reminded of their obligation to submít the required reports to the Commission in accordance with the provisions of Section 90(4) of the Electoral Act 2022 and the applicable sanctions for failure to comply as provided in Section 89(4) of the Electoral Act.”

Okoye also stated that the commission approved  the reappointment of the Secretary of the Commission, Mrs. Rose Oriaran-Anthony, for a second and final term of four years, with effect from 7 December 2022, in accordance with Section 8 of the Electoral Act, 2022.

Rose Oriaran-Anthony, who hails from Edo State, holds a Bachelor of Education (B. Ed) degree in Language Arts from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, a Master’s degree in Public Administration (MPA) from the University of Abuja and another Master’s degree in Public Communication and Public Relations from the University of Westminster, in the United Kingdom.

“She is the second female Secretary of the Commission and the first to have her tenure renewed. She 1s a long-term staff ot the Commission and has served as Public Affairs Officer, Assistant Director (Information and Publicity), Deputy Director (Voter Education) and Director (Civil Societies Liaison).

“Her last posting was Administrative Secretary in Della State before her first appointment on December 5, 2018,” Okoye stated.