The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has unveiled time table for activities preceding the election on March 19, 2016, with the election time lines.
This was disclosed by the FCT Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Prof. Jacob Jatau, during a stakeholders’ meeting with traditional, religious and political leaders held at the FCT-INEC secretariat in Abuja.
Jatau said electoral activities will 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, which provides for the issuance of the notice 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 Nov. 26, 2015 to Dec. 17, 2015, while campaigns will commence on the Dec. 20.
He reminded eligible voters in the FCT of the ongoing transfer of registration while appealing on 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.
Jatau, also emphasised the commission’s commitment to the principles of neutrality and impartiality, even as he promised to get traditional and religious leaders involved in the process.
“We will be fair to all the parties and provide a level playing field to ensure full participation and a fair contest. I would also like to appeal to the political class and the electorates, especially the youths, to shun violence and obey the rules to guarantee free, fair and credible poll,” he said.
Speaking to journalists, the chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Hon. Micah Jiba, expressed satisfaction with the election timetable, calling on all stakeholders, especially the political and religious leaders, to help INEC deliver on its mandate by sanitising their followers on the need to conduct themselves within the confines of laid-down rules.
