National Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Muhammed Haruna, has expressed surprise at criticism directed at the commission over low voter turnout in the recently concluded FCT Area Councils elections.
Speaking in an interview with Trust TV on Monday, Haruna emphasized that while voter participation is important, placing the blame solely on INEC is misplaced.
“INEC’s primary role is civic education, informing citizens on how to vote. Although we encourage participation, the responsibility for mobilizing voters ultimately rests with political parties,” he said.
Haruna noted that political parties, which often have memberships in the hundreds of thousands or millions, are better positioned to drive voter engagement. He reaffirmed that INEC remains committed to its mandate and highlighted the commission’s extensive efforts during the recent polls to promote turnout, despite restrictions on endorsing any candidates or parties.
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