The Akwa Ibom state Independent Electoral Commission,AKISIEC, says the nomination fee charged candidate of political parties is part of revenue the electoral body is expected to raise for the state government.
The chairman of the commission, Elder Aniediabasi Ikoiwak disclosed this in a telephone interaction with Inspiration FM on the programme Talk Radio.
He explained that the commission while presenting its 2024 budget before the State House of Assembly had a projected revenue for the state which nomination fee was one way to raise such revenue.
Elder Ikoiwak debunked insinuations that some candidates have been disqualified saying there are laid down rules governing participation in the electoral process which must be followed by all candidates.
” The rule says you must have a running mate and you come to the commission without running mate the. You have disqualified yourself already.
“The rule says you must show evidence of tax clearance and you come to the commission without evidence that you have been paying your tax. You have already disqualified yourself even before the commission looks into your case” he stated.
The AKISIEC boss also disclosed that about 19 political parties indicated interest in the election but at the moment only ten have fielded candidates for some positions in some local government areas.
