A bill seeking to establish a national electoral commission for the conduct of local government polls on Thursday survived the first reading in the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly.
At the plenary, the Bill, which was read for the first time, seeks to establish the commission to conduct chairmanship and councilorship elections in the third tier of government.
Titled: “National Independent Local Government Electoral Commission and other matters (Establishment) Bill, 2024,” the bill was sponsored by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Finance, Senator Sani Musa, (APC – Niger East).
It was tabled before the Senate, a week after the Supreme Court affirmed financial autonomy for democratically elected local governments.
The State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC) set up by state governments for council polls may cease to exist, if the bill sails through and gets President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s assent.
Senator Musa highlighted the aims and objectives of the proposed commission, which are similar to the functions of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)
He said NILGEC will conduct free, fair, and transparent elections for Local Government chairman and councillors, prepare and maintain an accurate and up-to-date voter register.
The agency will also ensure voter education and public awareness towardds the electoral process.
Musa said NILGEC will set and enforce electoral guidelines and regulations for council elections, recruit and train electoral officers and staff for efficient election management, monitor and supervise all electoral activities and processes at the council level.
Also, the commission will investigate and adjudicate electoral disputes and grievances.
Musa said “NILGEC shall operate independently, free from external influence and interference.”
He added: “The Commission shall have its own budget, approved by the National Assembly, to ensure financial independence.
“NILGEC shall develop and implement procedures for voter registration, candidate nomination, and the conduct of elections.
“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.
“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.”
