2 months ago
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A coalition consisting of several civil society organisations, including Yiaga Africa, the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, and others, has proposed 37 recommendations as priority areas in need of immediate action to be incorporated into the nation’s electoral system.
The recommendations were made following the National Assembly’s preparation to embark on another round of electoral reforms.
The recommendations, which were contained in a comprehensive Citizens’ Memorandum on Electoral Reforms released by the coalition on Wednesday in Abuja, aim to address the long-standing challenges the nation’s electoral framework has been facing, as well as restore public confidence in the electoral system to tackle voter apathy, among other issues.
The coalition stated that the memorandum was drawn from insights gained during the 2023 general elections and feedback from domestic and international observers.
The coalition also stated that the adoption of the recommended reforms would enhance the efficiency of elections and ensure that the outcomes reflect the true will of the people.
“The memorandum we present today focuses on three core pillars of the electoral legal framework for the conduct of elections: the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, the Electoral Act 2022, and INEC Regulations and Guidelines for Elections. Our recommendations have been carefully divided into two parts: Part I offers twenty-one (21) recommendations for constitutional alterations.
“These proposals aim to strengthen the independence of INEC, improve the processes for electoral adjudication, and refine key constitutional provisions to ensure fairness, transparency, and inclusivity in our electoral process. Part II presents sixteen (16) proposals for amending the Electoral Act 2022.
“These proposals address the inadequacies, complexities, and ambiguities that have hindered the efficient application of the Act. Our aim is to reposition the electoral legal framework against the backdrop of recent landmark judicial decisions that offer pathways for reform and to make the Act more reflective of our evolving electoral needs.
“The proposals for the reform of the Electoral Act are carefully articulated to achieve the objectives of increasing citizens’ engagement through improved voter and civic education; improving the integrity of the voter register and voter verification; protecting voting rights and inclusiveness in elections; improving the quality of candidate selection; safeguarding the use of electoral technologies to ensure election integrity; and facilitating equal access to media during elections,” the coalition said.
Notable among the recommendations are: “Reviewing the requirements for voter identification by permitting the use of other legally acceptable means of identification for voter verification in addition to the already produced Permanent Voters’ Card.
“Undertaking a transparent and comprehensive independent audit of the voter register to eliminate duplications, multiple registrants, and ineligible voters to enhance the credibility of the voter register.
“Introducing early voting for eligible voters on essential election duties, such as security personnel, INEC staff, election observers, journalists, etc.; introducing sanctions for non-compliance with party register and delegate list submissions; and ensuring compulsory electronic transmission of results.
“Introducing legal timelines for testing and mock exercises of electoral technologies;
“Offering discounted airtime/advert rates for marginalised groups; and limiting liability for breach of deadlines for media campaigns to media organisations.”
The coalition noted that “These reforms aim to achieve a more credible, transparent, and accountable electoral process—one that serves the best interests of all Nigerians and fosters a democratic culture where every vote counts.
“It is important to note that the memorandum also aligns with the INEC Memorandum for Administrative Reform, which separately outlines key areas for reviewing INEC’s regulations and guidelines to ensure they are responsive to our electoral needs.
“Electoral reforms as proposed in the Citizens Memorandum will play a vital role in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy by addressing various challenges and gaps in the electoral process.
“These electoral reforms are designed to restore integrity, enhance efficiency, and ensure inclusivity in Nigeria’s electoral process, paving the way for more credible, fair, and democratic elections that will strengthen the nation’s political institutions and democratic culture,” the coalition noted.
Other members of the coalition include the Centre for Media and Society, Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa, ElectHER, International Press Centre, and the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance.
Also in the coalition are the Justice, Development and Peace Makers Centre, Osogbo; Justice Development and Peace Movement, Oyo; Justice Development and Peace Initiative, Ekiti; The Kukah Centre; Nigeria Women’s Trust Fund; Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre; SOS Children’s Villages; and TAF Africa.
