The National Chairman of the Forum of State Independent Electoral Commissions of Nigeria (FOSIECON), Hon. Mamman Nda Eri has called on the National Assembly to reject the proposed National Local Government Electoral Commission, (NALGEC) through constitutional amendment.
The FOSIECON Chairman said rather than the establishment of NALGEC, the constitutional amendments should be one that will improve the functionality and credibility of SIECs.
Establishing NALGEC, Hon. Eri said it will require
Infrastructure in all 774 LGAs, Recruitment, training, and deployment of election personnel, added that having another funding structure, will increase cost without solving the underlying issues.
The FOSIECON Chairman stressed that the strongest arguments against SIECs is that they are often partisan and beholden to state executives, he however said replacing them with a federally-controlled body merely relocates the political influence from the state level to the federal level, potentially worsening the situation.
He said electoral credibility cannot be achieved through centralization but through decentralization with accountability, opined
that amending the Constitution to create NALGEC would require overhauling several sections, including Sections 7, 153, 197–204, and the Third Schedule.
The Chairman said the amendment of the constitution to include NALGEC may create legal ambiguities and generate resistance from state actors, thereby disrupting the local democratic structure.
Hon. Eri said rather than abolish SEIC, recommended Strengthening them, urge the National Assembly to initiate reforms that addresses the root causes of their weaknesses.
He said to guarantee the Independence of SIEC, recommended securing the tenure of SIEC commissioners, transparent appointment process with state legislative confirmation as well establish a fixed tenure with removal only through due process.
On Financial Autonomy, Hon. Eri said SIECs recommended that financing that places it first-line charge funding from the state consolidated revenue funds.
Other recommendations the FOSIECON Chairman made include, auditing SIECs financial reports to promote transparency and accountability.
He also recommended standardization and Collaboration to support SIECs through technical assistance, standard setting, and inter-agency cooperation.
The Chairman concluded his presentation by advocating
Legislative Oversight, Mandate periodic reporting to state Houses of Assembly and empower civil society to engage in oversight of SIEC activities.
