The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has expressed concern that as campaigns begin for the governorship election in Edo State, campaign councils rather than candidates and party manifestos are taking centre stage.
TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Festus Okoye Esq, National Commissioner and Chairman of Information and Voter Education Committee for the INEC expressed the concern in a statement, following the regular weekly meeting of the Commission held on Thursday.
The INEC official, while reminding political parties to comply with protocols emplaced for Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) during campaigns, stated that the election should be a contest of ideas and programmes for the people of Edo to make informed decisions for the development of the State.
“Political parties are hereby reminded that in canvassing for votes, they must comply with the Commission’s policy on Conducting Elections in the Context of the COVID- 19 Pandemic as well as the Regulations and Guidelines governing same. They must also comply with the guidelines issued by health authorities.
“At the same time, parties are enjoined to conduct issue-based campaigns in accordance with the Regulations and Guidelines issued by the Commission. They should appeal to their supporters to shun inflammatory rhetoric and disruptive behaviour capable of breaching the peace. The election is an opportunity for the people of Edo State to choose among the 14 candidates in the contest.
“The Commission is concerned that as campaigns begin, campaign councils rather than candidates and party manifestos are taking centre stage. The election should be a contest of ideas and programmes for the people of Edo to make informed decisions for the development of their State,” he stated.
Okoye further stated that going by the timetable and schedule of activities for the election, campaigns by political parties in public commenced on 21 June 2020 and ends on 17th September 2010 i.e. 24 hours before polling day as enshrined in Section 99 (1) of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended).
He also stated that fourteen (14) political parties conducted primaries and nominated their candidates for the Edo governorship election holding on Saturday 19th September 2020.