The Independent National Electoral Commission on Tuesday said it had received 32 applications from those seeking registration of political parties.
The Chairman of the Commission Prof. Yakubu Mahmood, said this in Abuja during the second quarterly consultative meeting with the chairmen and secretaries of registered political parties
He said that the commission had started processing the applications, adding that figures were still rising.
“The commission has been receiving applications from various associations for registration as political parties. So far, we have received 32 applications (and the number is rising). The applications are being processed,” he stated.
The INEC boss told the representatives of the political parties that the commission was committed to the opening of the democratic space based on its laws and guidelines.
According to him, the meeting is a forum for the commission to brief party leaders on developments in the management of the democratic system.
On the alleged involvement of INEC staff in the subversion of 2015 general Elections through cash inducement, he said, “INEC will also take further administrative action against staff found culpable in this dastardly conduct. We will not hesitate to interdict staff where prima facie cases have been established against them by EFCC and immediately terminate the appointments of those indicted”.
He disclosed that despite the constraints facing the commission on the prosecution of election offenders, INEC legal team and the police had successfully secured the conviction of 42 suspects.
He disclosed this was the highest number of convictions in a single case ever achieved by the Commission.
The INEC chairman explained that out of 80 court ordered re-run elections, INEC had successfully conducted 49 and had 31 elections pending as well as one bye election.
He stated, “Except for Anambra and Plateau re-run elections which are sub-judice, we have started the processes of consultation leading to the completion of the outstanding elections”.