Autonomy: Senate Unveils LG Electoral Commission Bill

The Senate has introduced a bill establishing a Local Government Independent Electoral Commission (Establishment).

This development followed the judgment by the Supreme Court, which granted financial autonomy to local government areas.

The bill, sponsored by Sani Musa, who represents Niger East, was read for the first time during a plenary session yesterday.

In its ruling, the Supreme Court ordered the federal government to directly allocate funds due to local governments from the federation account.

The introduction of the bill for establishing the Local Government Electoral Commission (LGEC) will now take the power for election conduct at the grassroots from the State Independent Electoral Commission (SIECOM).

The bill proposes the establishment of the National Independent Local Government Electoral Commission (NILGEC), to be responsible for conducting elections for local government chairmen and councillors.

NILGEC’s functions and powers include: Conducting free, fair, and transparent elections; preparing and maintaining an accurate voter register; ensuring voter education and public awareness; setting and enforcing electoral guidelines and regulations; recruiting and training electoral officers and staff; monitoring and supervising electoral activities and processes, and investigating and adjudicating electoral disputes and grievances

NILGEC would operate independently, free from external influence and interference, with its budget approved by the National Assembly.

The commission would consist of a chairperson and six commissioners, appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate, serving a five-year term that would be renewable once.

NILGEC would also develop and implement procedures for voter registration, candidate nomination, and election conduct. The commission would ensure the provision of necessary electoral materials and logistics, announce the election schedule at least six months before the election date, and conduct elections every four years.

NILGEC would define and enforce penalties for electoral offences, including voter fraud, ballot stuffing, and violence. Offenders would be prosecuted and punished in accordance with the laws of the land.

NILGEC would collaborate with other relevant government agencies, security forces, and civil society organisations to ensure a secure and credible electoral process. Upon its establishment, all powers and functions related to local government elections previously vested in any other body or authority would be transferred to NILGEC.

The bill will come into effect upon its passage by the National Assembly and assent by the president.