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Jega Puts Elections Expenses at N88bn
- By Williams Ekanem
- Published May 16th, 2011
- Washington File
- Unrated
CHAIRMAN of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Professor Attahiru Jega says about N87.7 billion was expended for the April 2011 general elections.
Speaking at the John Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies in Washington D.C last week, Jega said the generally accepted results of the elections justified whatsoever investment made.
Giving assurance that INEC’s funding was an appropriated amount, the Commission chairman said the funds would be accounted for at the appropriate time.
Speaking earlier in his presentation, “April 2011 Elections in Nigeria: Accomplishments and Challenges,” Jega cautioned against too much celebration, since according to him, “some say the Jury is still out there.”
Notwithstanding however, he alluded to reports from observers, both local and international that the elections were freer, more credible and peaceful than any other election in the country.
He attributed the success of the elections to an improved database, re-modified open ballot system, transparent voting and result announcement procedures.
More credible voters register and substantially improved operational and logistical preparations, he said, also contributed to the credible results.
The credible results notwithstanding, he said the challenges are still many and wide ranging, listing them to include addressing causes and consequences of post-election violence, continuous refinement and improvement of the electoral process as well as legal reforms.
In conducting the elections, Jega said the commission learnt from the lessons of the past as they identified what undermined the credibility of past elections and tried to address them.
“We tried to creatively and pragmatically introduced new measures and procedures to bring additional transparency and credibility to the electoral process. We also addressed how to prevent multiple voting, snatching and stuffing of ballot boxes, how to detect and prevent use of fake ballot papers, “the INEC chairman pointed out.
He added that how to detect and prevent fraudulent declaration of false results, ensure secure and timely distribution of election materials as well as a secure voting environment, minimizing the role of INEC staff in collation and announcement of results also constituted their duties.
In his comments, Dr Peter Lewis, director of African Studies at the John Hopkins University said that the overwhelming consensus everywhere is that the elections were free and fair.
According to Lewis, in spite of the occasional misconduct recorded in the elections, the freeness and competitive nature of the elections must be noted.
Speaking at the John Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies in Washington D.C last week, Jega said the generally accepted results of the elections justified whatsoever investment made.
Giving assurance that INEC’s funding was an appropriated amount, the Commission chairman said the funds would be accounted for at the appropriate time.
Speaking earlier in his presentation, “April 2011 Elections in Nigeria: Accomplishments and Challenges,” Jega cautioned against too much celebration, since according to him, “some say the Jury is still out there.”
Notwithstanding however, he alluded to reports from observers, both local and international that the elections were freer, more credible and peaceful than any other election in the country.
He attributed the success of the elections to an improved database, re-modified open ballot system, transparent voting and result announcement procedures.
More credible voters register and substantially improved operational and logistical preparations, he said, also contributed to the credible results.
The credible results notwithstanding, he said the challenges are still many and wide ranging, listing them to include addressing causes and consequences of post-election violence, continuous refinement and improvement of the electoral process as well as legal reforms.
In conducting the elections, Jega said the commission learnt from the lessons of the past as they identified what undermined the credibility of past elections and tried to address them.
“We tried to creatively and pragmatically introduced new measures and procedures to bring additional transparency and credibility to the electoral process. We also addressed how to prevent multiple voting, snatching and stuffing of ballot boxes, how to detect and prevent use of fake ballot papers, “the INEC chairman pointed out.
He added that how to detect and prevent fraudulent declaration of false results, ensure secure and timely distribution of election materials as well as a secure voting environment, minimizing the role of INEC staff in collation and announcement of results also constituted their duties.
In his comments, Dr Peter Lewis, director of African Studies at the John Hopkins University said that the overwhelming consensus everywhere is that the elections were free and fair.
According to Lewis, in spite of the occasional misconduct recorded in the elections, the freeness and competitive nature of the elections must be noted.
