The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it has received applications from various associations for registration as political parties.

It said it has received 32 applications so far and that the number was rising.

The Chairman of INEC, Professor Yakubu Mahmood, gave the figure on Tuesday during the second quarterly consultative meeting with the chairmen and secretaries of registered political parties, at the commission’s headquarters.

Professor Yakubu assured political parties that “the commission remains committed to the opening of the democratic space in line with the law and our guidelines”.

According to him, the applications are being processed.

He explained that the meeting was a forum for the commission to brief party leaders on developments in the management of the democratic system.

He addressed the recent revelations of alleged involvement of INEC staff in the subversion of 2015 general elections through cash inducement.

“INEC will also take further administrative action against staff found culpable in this dastardly conduct. We will not hesitate to interdict staff where prima facie cases have been established against them by EFCC and immediately terminate the appointments of those indicted,” he stressed.

Professor Yakubu also disclosed that despite the severe constraints on the commission, with regard to the prosecution of election offenders, as exemplified by the recently held by-election in Minjibir constituency in Kano State, INEC legal team and the police have successfully secured the conviction of 42 suspects.

“This is the highest number of convictions in a single case ever achieved by the commission.”

On the outstanding re-run elections, the INEC chairman explained that out of 80 court ordered re-run elections, the commission had successfully conducted 49 and has 31 elections pending as well as one by-election.

He maintained that except for Anambra and Plateau re-run elections which are sub-judice, the commission has started the processes of consultation leading to the completion of the outstanding elections.

Professor Yakubu also welcomed suggestions and inputs from the political parties on areas of constitutional and legal amendments.

He said: “We welcome suggestions by political parties on areas of amendment you consider important for inclusion in the comprehensive proposal we intend to submit to the National Assembly.” (Channels TV)

•Photo shows INEC Chairman Yakubu Mahmood.