Utibe Ekoson
With the 2023 general elections three months away, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released its guidelines for the conduct of political activities.The commission, in a six-page document prohibited the use of abusive language and hate speech as well as campaigns and political rallies in places of worship.It also stated that no person attending a political rally, procession or campaign should be in possession of any offensive weapon.INEC noted that the objective of political rallies was to project, offer, sensitize and create awareness about the party’s symbol, flag, slogan, and manifesto.The commission mandated political parties to submit a notification of the schedule of their campaigns stating the date, time, venue, agenda and list of members of the organising committee and police approval within the jurisdiction of the campaigns, within a minimum period no later than 10 days to the commencement of their campaigns.It added that political parties and candidates should conduct campaigns based on the constitution and manifestoes, complying with the provisions of Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties 2022 issued by the commission, political parties codes of conduct, regulations and guidelines that may be issued by the National Broadcasting Commission, as well as COVID-19 safety protocols and other public health regulations and measures.
