…Demands 10 days notice; warns parties, donors on donations exceeding ?50m
Ahead of the 2023 general election, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has published guidelines for the conduct of political rallies and campaigns as well as election expenses of parties, candidates and aspirants.
According to the guidelines for rallies and campaigns, in an issued statement released yesterday by the Commission, political parties “must issue in writing a notice to the Commissioner of Police of the State or the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) indicating the exact venue and time of the rally or procession, and pledging peaceful conduct and control against violence or public nuisance”.
The guidelines also states that campaigns by parties and their candidates must be based on their constitution and manifestoes, and must comply with any regulations issued by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) as well as COVID-19 safety protocols.
For party finances, INEC said political parties must inform the Commission of and transfer any funds or other assets sent to them from outside Nigeria within 21 days of receipt.
Also, the Commission warned individuals, political parties or candidates not to contribute or accept more than N50 million in donations.
On individual contribution to a political party or aspirant, the guidelines stated that: “The maximum amount of money or other assets that an individual, a group of individuals or an entity can donate to a political party or aspirant for an election shall be N50 million”.
The Commission said copies of the guidelines will be made available to political parties, civil society groups, and other critical stakeholders.
