Group seeks gazzetting of INEC election regulations

Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI), a Nigerian civil society organization, has formally requested the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to publish the Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of Elections in the official government gazette. KDI emphasized that this step is essential for bolstering transparency, ensuring electoral stakeholders are prepared, and establishing legal certainty for upcoming elections.

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The absence of a formally gazetted version leaves the authoritative legal and operational framework for elections under the Electoral Act, 2026 incomplete.

In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Bukola Idowu, KDI noted that the absence of a formally gazetted document leaves the legal and operational framework for elections incomplete. While commending INEC for developing the guidelines, Idowu stressed that promulgation in the federal government gazette would affirm their authenticity and ensure effective implementation.

KDI specifically called for the gazetting of these guidelines before the 2027 general elections. The group believes this action will grant electoral stakeholders access to the rules governing the process. Furthermore, it is expected to boost public confidence in the integrity of elections and minimize legal and administrative disputes. Idowu also highlighted that the gazette would serve as an authoritative reference for courts and tribunals when interpreting electoral procedures.

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This also boosts public confidence in electoral integrity, and reduces legal and administrative disputes.

INEC had previously announced a review of its Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties on March 1, aiming to align them with the Electoral Act 2026 and current electoral realities. These guidelines cover rules for political parties, candidate nominations, campaign periods, and polling unit operations. KDI urged INEC to expedite the process of gazetting and widely disseminating these crucial election regulations.

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KDI therefore urges INEC to take all necessary steps to ensure the prompt gazetting and wide public dissemination of the Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of Elections.