Nigerian Senate Set To Eradicate State Independent Electoral Commission (SIECs)

Details have been released on a new bill the Senate introduced seeking to create an independent electoral body charged with the responsibility of conducting local government council elections.

The bill with title,“Local Government Independent Electoral Commission (Establishment) Bill, 2024 (SB. 531)”, was sponsored by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Finance, Sen. Sani Musa, (APC, Niger-East).

The bill partly states, “To establish the National Independent Local Government Electoral Commission (NILGEC) responsible for conducting elections to the office of the Local Government Chairman and Councillors, and any other matter thereof to do with local government as a third tier of government.

“The National Independent Local Government Electoral Commission (NILGEC) is hereby established as an autonomous body mandated to organize, oversee, and conduct elections for the offices of Local Government Chairman and Councillors across all states”.

The Bill lists the functions and powers of NILGEC to include conduct of free, fair, and transparent elections for Local Government Chairman and Councillors.

It stated further, “To prepare and maintain an accurate and up-to-date voter register.

“To ensure voter education and public awareness regarding the electoral process.

“To set and enforce electoral guidelines and regulations for Local Government elections.

“To recruit and train electoral officers and staff for efficient election management.

“To monitor and supervise all electoral activities and processes.

“To investigate and adjudicate electoral disputes and grievances.”

According to the proposed legislation, NILGEC shall consist of a Chairperson and six Commissioners, appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate.

*It said further that, “The Chairperson and Commissioners shall serve for a term of five years, renewable once”.

On its independence and autonomy, the Bill stated that NILGEC shall operate independently, free from external influence and interference.

“The Commission shall have its own budget, approved by the National Assembly, to ensure financial independence,” the Bill said.

On the electoral process and procedures, the Bill stated that NILGEC shall develop and implement procedures for voter registration, candidate nomination, and the conduct of elections

It stated that, “NILGEC shall ensure the provision of necessary electoral materials and logistics for the smooth conduct of elections.

“NILGEC shall announce the election schedule at least six months before the date of the election.

“Elections for the offices of Local Government Chairman and Councillors shall be conducted every four years.”

On the electoral offenses and penalties, it explained that NILGEC shall define and enforce penalties for electoral offenses, including but not limited to voter fraud, ballot stuffing, and electoral violence.

“Offenders shall be prosecuted and punished in accordance with the laws of the land.

“NILGEC shall collaborate with other relevant government agencies, security forces, and civil society organizations to ensure a secure and credible electoral process.

“Upon the establishment of NILGEC, all powers and functions related to the conduct of Local Government elections previously vested in any other body or authority shall be transferred to NILGEC.”