By Ayoni M. Agbabiaka
FCT Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday unveiled the time table, containing the time lines for the electoral activities preceding the expected election into the six area councils of the Federal Capital Territory on March 19, 2016.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Territory, Prof. Jacob Jatau, made this disclosure at a stakeholders’ meeting with traditional, religious and political leaders held at the FCT-INEC Secretariat, in Area 10, Abuja.
He reminded eligible voters in the FCT of the ongoing transfer of registration, while appealing to those who wish to transfer their registration to take the prescribed steps to enable the commission complete the process, at least, 45 days before the election.
He said electoral activities would begin in earnest on November 25, 2015, with the issuance of Notice of Election as Stipulated in Section 30 (1) of the Electoral Act, 2010, as amended.
The section according to him provides for the issuance of Notice of Election not later than 90 days before the poll.
He added that the conduct of party primaries, including the resolution
of disputes arising from the primaries will take place from November 26 to December 17, 2015, while the campaign for the election will commence on the 20th of December.
He promised to get traditional and religious leaders involved in the process while reiterating the commitment of the commission to the principles of neutrality and impartiality, urging the youth and other electorates to shun violence.
He said: “We will be fair to all the parties and provide a level-playing field to ensure full participation and fair contest.
“I would also like to appeal to the political class and the electorates, especially the youth to shun violence and obey the rules to guarantee free, fair and credible poll.”
Speaking with newsmen on the sideline of the meeting, the chairman, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) and the National President, Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Micah Jiba, expressed satisfaction with the release of the timetable.
He called on all stakeholders especially the political and religious leaders to help INEC deliver on its mandate by sensitising their members on the need to conduct themselves within the confines of laid down rules.