INDEPENDENT NATIONAL ELECTORAL COMMISSION AND THE REST OF US: A CRITICAL EVALUATION OF ITS VISION AND MISSION

Abstract

This paper critically examines the Nigerian Electoral Institutions both the past and the present towards consolidating democracy in Nigeria. In doing this, we made recourse to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). As a result, we shall critically evaluate the activities of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) with regard to its mission and vision as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). Also, colonial and post-colonial elections will be considered. We shall argue that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has over the years seemed to have deranged from its primary purpose, which involves conducting free, fair, transparent and credible elections in Nigeria. The electoral umpires both the past and the present have been accused of manipulating election results, rigging, and committing all sorts of electoral irregularities. Using analytic approach, we shall embark on conceptual analysis. We shall also explore the mission and vision of INEC as enshrined in Nigerian Constitution to find out whether it has deranged from its fundamental purpose. We shall as well evaluate INEC in relation to good governance and electing credible leadership. We shall also make reference to the basic guiding principles of INEC with regard to respecting the general will of the electorate. We shall conclude that if INEC should be allowed to maintain its independence from the executive arm of government and the politicians, and carry out its fundamental purpose, the will of the electorates will reign supreme in choosing their representatives.