Even though the 2007 general elections cannot be said to be perfect, the
Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is nonetheless proud that it
has laid a solid foundation for future elections.
Professor Maurice Iwu, INEC Chairman, stated this yesterday while declaring
the presidential election of last week Saturday.
The INEC Chairman said that while the Commission conceded that the elections
were not perfect, the Commission was satisfied that it was free and fair.
He attributed the difficulties the Commission faced to the numerous reforms it
introduced which even though were for the nation’s electoral good, were stiffly
resisted by some members of the political class. Said Professor Iwu, “The 2007
election is far from perfect. The Commission concedes that.
But we are proud of the polls. We are also proud of the fact that this election
has been free and fair.” In assessing the 2007 general elections, Professor Iwu
added, Nigerians must not lose sight of the numerous difficulties and hindrances
in the political environment and the very tense and hostile atmosphere in which
the Commission had to operate.
He recalled that there were Nigerians who never wanted the elections to hold in
the first instance.
This is not to add, Professor Iwu further added, the fact that at the very last
minute, the Commission had to change course and at short notice. “Many people”,
Professor Iwu said, “believed that it was impossible to print 65 million ballot
papers in three days. But we did it. To God be the glory.”
