2007 polls: Iwu unveils innovations on ballot paper
From ADAMU ABDULLAHI, Abuja

THE chairman of Independent Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Maurice Iwu, has said that there will be no going back on the conduct of 2007 general elections, even as the ballot paper varies from one constituency to another.
Prof. Iwu who made the revelation during the 4th Trust Annual Dialogue organized by Media Trust Limited yesterday, said that ballot paper would carry the portrait of each candidate and it would differ from one state to another.
He further disclosed that the idea of differentiating the ballot papers is to prevent movement of the papers from one constituency to another or from one state to another.
The INEC chairman explained that even counting of the vote cast is going to take place at the voting point and the fully endorsed result would be sent to the offices of the national chairman, state resident commissioners and the constituency in question.
Prof. Iwu who was a co-presenter at the dialogue with the theme: ‘’2007 Election Getting it Right,’’ observed that unless Nigerians confront the past with a view to correcting it, the mistakes would continue to be repeated.
According to him, anything has to do with electoral process depends on all Nigerians, saying that INEC is resolute to pursue what is right and what the constitution has prescribed for the commission.
He said if Nigerians really need a free and fair election they have to resist all attempts to disrupt the elections by the political elite class and ensure that the elections are conducted without ghost voters.
The chairman berated those who are underscoring the commission’s effort, saying they are those people who could not secure contract from the commission.
Others who presented papers on the topic are Chief Olusegun Osoba, former governor of Ogun state who advocated for a modified open ballot system which done in secrecy and Alhaji Ahmadu Kurfi former administrative secretary of FEDECO who advocated for the total reform of the whole electoral system.
In his part, the special guest of honour and former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar has urged Nigerians to do what is right during this trying period so that the country will continue to enjoy the much needed peace and stability.
General Abubakar similarly advised politicians to allow a violence free election devoid of intimidation and coalition to be conducted in the country.
Highlights of the occasion include the launching of a book titled: Corruption: The Problem of Nigeria, presented by the guest of honour.