To increase political parties’ knowledge of electoral legal framework and other related matters, such as Independent National Electoral Commission’s guidelines and regulations, a two-day sensitisation workshop has been organised for party leaders in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
The workshop, organised and sponsored by European Union, DAI, The Kukah Centre, in partnership with INEC, enlightened party officials on the need to prioritise party finance and campaign finance reporting, and to understand that INEC’s policies are geared towards levelling the playing field for all players.
In his remarks, Rudolf Elbling, Team Lead, DAI EU-SDGN emphasised the need for cooperation and transparency of the parties and INEC to have a credible election, adding that political parties form the engine room of democracy and play major role in shaping public policy and forming the government.
He stated that transparency is key to proper functioning of regulations.
Participants stressed the need for further discussion on campaign finance, which should involve the anti-corruption agencies (EFCC and ICPC).
The workshop, which aimed to promote structured, better-organised and ideology-driven political parties, provided better understanding of legal framework as it pertains to party administration.
Chief Technical Adviser to INEC chairman, Prof. Bolade Eyinla, in his keynote address, stated that to ensure cordial working relationship between the election management body and political parties and better understanding of provisions governing the electoral process, INEC deemed it necessary to create a forum for engagement.
