Nigerian Newsday

The National Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) has allayed fears in some quarters that 2007 elections would be marred by irregularities.

The INEC chairman, Prof Maurice Iwu, said that "those who think that the 2007 elections are going to be like that of 2003 would have themselves shocked," stressing that it would be free, fair and credible contrary to opinions and speculations. Prof Iwu spoke through Dr Ismail Igbani Chairman, Political Parties Monitoring Committee at the one day voters Stakeholders' summit organized by the National Voters Forum (NAVOF) in Abuja tagged "voters at 2007 elections, issues and the way out."

Prof Iwu emphasized that the issue of using the electronic voting machine in 2007 was a closed one since Nigerians rejected. He however said other machines for the finger prints, photograph authenticators and result collections and transmitting would be used to curb electoral malpractices.

According to him, INEC has put a number of measures in place to check any fraudulent acts before, during and after the elections to give the election credibility.

Prof. Iwu also stated other measures aimed at ensuring the voters education such as providing the address of all political parties and the running of an electoral half hour programme on NTA Channel 5 on Tuesday.

Earlier in his speech, the National Coordinator of the forum Rev. Engr.Omwubuya Abraham told the gathering that Nigerians were apprehensive of the 2007 elections and stressed the need for all well meaning Nigerians to ensure the survival of democracy in the county.

He called on all voters to rise up and make sure election results were credible and acceptable come 2007.

"Even those at the grassroots have a stake in governance and therefore they should protect their voters and vote for only the right candidate, he advised."