The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC has decried over the one million naira fine provided in the Constitution to punish electoral malpractices by political parties.

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC has decried over the one million naira fine provided in the Constitution to punish electoral malpractices by political parties.

INEC said, the slap-on-the-wrist sanction, accounted for the disregard showed by political parties and their candidates in complying with directives relating to party finances and election expenses.

National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye, made the declarations while speaking at the inception meeting on “Strengthening Accountability Networks among Civil Societies, SANCUS and suggested for stiffer penalties.

He explained that by Section 225 of the Constitution, political parties were required to submit and publish a statement of their assets and liabilities. Okoye said penalties should include an increase in the fines and prison term for the leaders of defaulting parties.

In his remarks, Executive Director, CISLAC, Auwal Rafsanjani, said that the overbearing influence of money in politics as exemplified in some recently conducted election was a cause for worry. He noted that checking the misuse of money in politics would prevent subversion of the will of the people.

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