INEC To Unveil New Policy Framework on Elections, Others May 21

• Edo, Ondo Governorship Elections to Hold as Scheduled

19^th May 2020.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will on 21^st May release a new Policy Framework that will guide its operations, activities and engagements with critical stakeholders, in view of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the country’s electoral process.

According to a statement issued at the end of its weekly meeting held today and signed by the National Commissioner in Charge of Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), Barrister Festus Okoye, the document will also cover the conduct of the Edo and Ondo Governorship elections, the nine outstanding bye-elections in different parts of the country and all future elections.

The Commission reiterated its resolve to hold the Edo and Ondo Governorship elections on 19^th September and 10^th October 2020 respectively as originally scheduled in the Timetable and Schedule of Activities released on 6^th February. More details on the modalities will be unveiled on Thursday.

While reassuring Nigerians of INEC’s determination to provide guidance, innovation, leadership and fulfill its constitutional responsibility of conducting elections, Okoye also affirmed that the Commission will not jeopardise the health and wellbeing of citizens, stakeholders or its valued staff.

The statement revealed INEC’s plan to accelerate engagements with political parties, civil society organisations, security agencies and health institutions as soon as its Policy Framework is finalised on Thursday.