By Sam OLUWA
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is Nigeria's electoral body responsible for conducting federal elections. On the other hand, State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs) are responsible for conducting state and local government elections. While INEC has made significant strides in enhancing the credibility of the electoral process, SIECs have faced criticism for their perceived lack of impartiality and independence.
The general perception is that INEC is more independent and impartial compared to SIECs. This perception is rooted in the fact that INEC has been able to conduct elections that are generally seen as free and fair. In contrast, SIECs have been accused of being influenced by state governors, which has led to a lack of trust in the electoral process at the state level.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has been instrumental in conducting free and fair elections in Nigeria since 1999. In contrast, State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs) have faced criticism for their perceived lack of impartiality and independence. This comparative analysis aims to examine the differences between INEC and SIECs, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of each.
Abolishing State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs) and replacing them with local government electoral commissions is a proposal that has been debated among electoral reform advocates. Proponents of this idea argue that SIECs have been compromised by state governors, leading to a lack of trust in the electoral process at the state level. By abolishing SIECs and replacing them with local government electoral commissions, the argument is that the electoral process will be more decentralized, transparent, and accountable to the people.
Historically, Nigeria's electoral process has been marred by controversy and irregularities. Prior to 1999, local government area (LGA) elections were conducted by the National Electoral Commission of Nigeria (NECON), which was responsible for conducting all elections in the country. However, with the introduction of the 1999 Constitution, SIECs were established to conduct LGA elections. Unfortunately, SIECs have been unable to live up to expectations, leading to calls for their abolition and replacement with more credible and independent electoral commissions.
As mandated by Section 6 of the Electoral Act 2022, INEC conducts elections in a fair and transparent manner. This independence is crucial in ensuring that elections reflect the will of the Nigerian people. Despite the challenges faced by INEC, the commission has successfully overseen two major general elections in 2019 and 2023. The elections saw a significant increase in voter registration, with over 84 million Nigerians registered to vote in the 2019 elections. This feat is a testament to INEC's commitment to ensuring that all eligible Nigerians are able to exercise their right to vote.
In contrast, SIECs have been accused of being influenced by state governors, leading to a lack of trust in the electoral process at the state level. This perceived lack of impartiality and independence undermines the credibility of SIECs and the electoral process as a whole.
INEC has successfully overseen two major general elections in the past, with a significant increase in voter registration. In contrast, SIECs have been criticized for their failure to conduct credible elections at the local government level.
The constitution of Nigeria allows empowered political parties to sell nomination forms to aspirants, but at the state level, SIECs produce these forms instead of the political parties [3]. This has led to a lack of transparency and accountability in the electoral process at the state level. After charging huge amount of money from the sell of aspirations forms, Opposition parties have often been unable to win even a single local government seat, despite winning governorship and national assembly seats.
To address the challenges faced by SIECs, there is a need for reform and strengthening of these commissions. This can be achieved by ensuring that SIECs are independent and impartial, and that they are able to operate without interference from state governors. There is a need for greater transparency and accountability in the electoral process at the state level. This can be achieved by ensuring that SIECs are transparent in their operations, and that they are able to provide accurate and timely information to stakeholders.
As Nigeria continues to navigate the complexities of democratic governance, it is imperative that all stakeholders work together to ensure that INEC and SIECs are able to conduct credible elections that reflect the will of the Nigerian people. Under the leadership of Professor Mahmoud Yakubu, INEC has demonstrated its commitment to enhancing the credibility of the electoral process. It is essential that SIECs follow suit and work towards regaining the trust of the Nigerian people.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has relocated 715 of its offices, representing 92.4%, from local government secretariats. This move addresses opposition parties' complaints of denied access to INEC offices within local government headquarters.Nigeria's electoral reforms indeed need to start from the grassroots level. This means that the reforms should be people-driven, taking into account the needs and concerns of ordinary Nigerians.
Prior to the relocation, INEC offices were situated within local government secretariats due to a mandate given to military state governors to provide offices. With 774 local governments in Nigeria, INEC's relocation aims to ensure equal access and fairness in the electoral process.
The comparative analysis of INEC and SIECs highlights the need for electoral reform and strengthening of these commissions. By addressing the challenges faced by SIECs and building on the successes of INEC, Nigeria can move closer to achieving credible and transparent elections that reflect the will of its people.Ultimately, the credibility of the electoral process is essential for ensuring that Nigeria's democracy continues to thrive.
Oluwa is from Edo State and can be reach via oluwasam323@gmail.com
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ELECTION MATTER