A former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega, has called for certain electoral reforms as prerequisite for political and democratic growth.
Jega made the call on Tuesday in Abuja at a Citizens Town Hall on Electoral Reform organised by Yiaga Africa, European Union (EU) in collaboration with the National Assembly joint committees on electoral matters.
“Because when the president nominates, there is no serious screening. The legal provisions of appointing someone that is non partisan should be considered,” he said, lending his voice to call for the appointment of INEC chairman and the Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) not to be made by the President.
Speaking further, “If we want to improve politics and deepen democracy, we must prevent cross carpeting by politicians from one party to another. The reason why our lawmakers don’t want to do that is because they win elections in another party and join the ruling party later.
“The law is very clear. If you move, unless there is a crisis, a by-election should be conducted. If a politician crosses the carpet as a matter of principle, he should vacate his or her speech.
“If you cross the carpet, you should be able to vacate the seat.”
