In response to a recent Supreme Court ruling granting financial autonomy to local governments, the Senate has introduced a bill to establish the Local Government Independent Electoral Commission (LGIEC).
Sponsored by Sani Musa, representing Niger East, the bill was read for the first time during a plenary session yesterday.
The Supreme Court’s decision mandates the federal government to allocate funds directly to local governments from the federation account. The bill’s introduction signifies a shift in electoral power at the grassroots level from the State Independent Electoral Commission (SIECOM) to a newly proposed National Independent Local Government Electoral Commission (NILGEC).
Key Features of the Bill:
– Establishment of NILGEC: Responsible for conducting elections for local government chairmen and councillors.
– Functions and Powers of NILGEC:
– Conducting free, fair, and transparent elections.
– Preparing and maintaining an accurate voter register.
– Ensuring voter education and public awareness.
– Setting and enforcing electoral guidelines and regulations.
– Recruiting and training electoral officers and staff.
– Monitoring and supervising electoral activities and processes.
– Investigating and adjudicating electoral disputes and grievances.
-Independence and Governance: NILGEC would operate independently, with its budget approved by the National Assembly. It would consist of a chairperson and six commissioners appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate, each serving a renewable five-year term.
– Procedures and Responsibilities:
– Developing and implementing procedures for voter registration, candidate nomination, and election conduct.
– Ensuring the provision of necessary electoral materials and logistics.
– Announcing the election schedule at least six months before the election date.
– Conducting elections every four years.
– Enforcement and Penalties: Defining and enforcing penalties for electoral offences, including voter fraud, ballot stuffing, and violence. Offenders would be prosecuted and punished according to the law.
-Collaboration: Working with relevant government agencies, security forces, and civil society organizations to ensure a secure and credible electoral process.
Upon its establishment, NILGEC would assume all powers and functions related to local government elections previously held by any other body or authority. The bill will come into effect upon passage by the National Assembly and assent by the president.
