INEC rules out electronic, diaspora voting in 2019

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Yesterday, The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, revealed to the Senate, that there are no plans of incorporating electronic and diaspora voting in the the 2019 general elections.

INEC cites the lack of constitutional backing and the extensive costs of execution as the two reasons why such changes shall not be incorporated.

INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu noted that  INEC’s annual budget has remained at N45 million in the last three years, and revealed that the cos of the 2019 general election is currently unknown.

Yakubu also disclosed intentions to develop a strategic plan, to show the definite financial figure required to undertake not just the 2019 poll but also others pending for conduct within the ongoing year,  including Anambra’s governorship election and the court-ordered Anambra Central Senatorial District by-election.

Yakubu further spoke about how INEC’s purse had been deeply drained, following what he tagged as unscheduled elections in the last one year as a result of deaths of 13 national and state assembly members.

Source : Vanguard