Senate proposes special commission for LG polls
A bill seeking the establishment of a federal agency for the conduct of local government elections was introduced in the Senate on Thursday.
The bill, sponsored by Senator Sani Musa(APC, Niger East), was titled, “Local Government Independent Electoral Commission (Establishment) Bill, 2024 (SB. 531)”.
It passed the first reading at plenary on Thursday.
Part of the draft bill reads, “To establish the National Independent Local Government Electoral Commission 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 is hereby established as an autonomous body mandated to organise, oversee, and conduct elections for the offices of local government chairman and councillors across all states.”
The proposed legislation listed the functions and powers of NILGEC to include the conduct of free, fair, and transparent elections for local government chairmen and councillors.
Other functions are: “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. And to investigate and adjudicate electoral disputes and grievances.”
The bill indicate that NILGEC shall consist of a chairperson and six Commissioners, appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate.
It read, “The Chairperson and Commissioners shall serve for a term of five years, renewable once.”
On its Independence and autonomy it stated that NILGEC shall operate independently, free from external influence and interference.
It read, “The commission shall have its own budget, approved by the National Assembly, to ensure financial independence.”
On the electoral offences and penalties, it explained that NILGEC should define and enforce penalties for electoral offences, 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 organisations to ensure a secure and credible electoral process.”
This bill is coming barely a week after the Supreme Court granted autonomy to the local governments.
