The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Monday said it has proposed 34 amendments to the Electoral Act.
The commission’s Director of Legal Services, Oluwatoyin Babalola, noted that there were shortcomings in the electoral legal framework that needed to be addressed through legislation.
According to Babalola, the lacuna in the provisions of the extant Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) had since been identified and highlighted by INEC and stakeholders, adding that there have been calls in recent times for amendment to address the lacuna in order to have better elections.
Babalola, who spoke at the opening of a one week retreat on the review of the electoral legal framework in Lagos, noted that while INEC’s proposals were accepted, the amended Electoral Act was not signed into law by the Executive arm of government.
The Director of Legal Services noted that the retreat, jointly organised by the commission, the European Centre for Electoral Support (ECES) and the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES), was to enable the electoral officers contribute ideas and harmonise the inputs, adding: “There are 34 proposed amendments elaborated in four columns.”
In his own remarks, the Lagos State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Sam Olumekun posited that the delimitation of constituencies was long overdue, in accordance with the 1999 Constitution.
According to him, the last constituency delimitation was done a long time ago.
He pointed out that the population of the country and registered voters have increased exponentially, making an urgent review imperative for proportional and fair representation.
Olumekun also stressed the importance of special courts for electoral offences, which he said should have a defined time frame for prosecution and speedy administration of justice.
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Speaking on electoral litigation, the Lagos REC said the commission should equip the Legal Department and prepare the staff to represent the commission in election matters.
“The commission should critically examine the issue of conflict of interests among our external solicitors that represent the petitioners in other matters.
“The commission should ensure that such solicitors do not represent any petitioner throughout the period of election petitions in the tribunals and courts of competent jurisdiction.
“While we appreciate the effort of the commission in dealing with legal issues, the commission should continue to equip the Legal Department and prepare the staff to represent the commission in election matters,” he said.
INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu while welcoming participants expressed the commission’s commitment to the review of the Electoral Act to enhance better conduct of elections.
He said the retreat was meant to finalise INEC’s comprehensive proposal to the National Assembly for amendment to the electoral legal framework.
Our draft is ready but requires further internal review ahead of submission to the National Assembly,” he said, pointing out that the review of the electoral act would increase citizens’ confidence, enhance the transparency and credibility of the electoral process.
Furthermore, he said the review would entrench internal democracy within political parties; reduce violence, expand the scope of participation for women, youths and people living with disability; deepen the use of technology and foster independence of INEC.
He added: “I am glad to know that members of the Senate Committee on INEC and House of Representatives Committee on Electoral Matters are joining us on Thursday and Friday for in-depth review of both their proposal and our input.
“This is the first time that the National Assembly and INEC are coming together on electoral reform. We look forward to this opportunity to serve Nigerians better.”
Taking part at the retreat are 37 RECs, national commissioners and directors of INEC.
They will be joined Thursday and joined by members of the National Assembly Committees on INEC and Electoral Matters.
