Professor Attahiru Jega, the former chairman of Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has proposed that the President be stripped of the power to appoint the chairman and National Commissioners of INEC.
Speaking at a two-day retreat organised for senators by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, Jega explained that this move is aimed at ensuring INEC’s independence from political partisanship.
News About Nigeria reports that Jega began his address by acknowledging the significant strides made in Nigeria’s electoral law, emphasising that the current act is arguably the best in the country’s history.
However, he pointed out that perfection remains elusive and that further amendments are needed to eliminate ambiguities and strengthen certain sections.
One of the central points of Jega’s proposed amendments is the mandatory electronic transmission of election results.
He argued that this change should be implemented in time for the next general elections in 2027.
This amendment would aim to reduce the risk of manipulation and misinterpretation associated with the current process.
Jega also suggested that electoral law be revised to ensure that all cases arising from the conduct of elections are resolved and judgments made before the swearing-in of elected officials. This change would expedite the judicial process and ensure the timely assumption of office by elected candidates.
Regarding section 64 of the Electoral Act, which deals with the process of transmitting election results, Jega called for greater clarity.
He proposed making the transmission of election results compulsory, including the uploading of polling unit-level results and result sheets used at different levels of result collation.
The former INEC boss also advocated for special provisions, such as early voting, to enable eligible voters on election duty, including INEC staff, observers, security personnel, and journalists, to cast their votes.
He also recommended the introduction of diaspora voting, at least for presidential elections, to allow citizens on essential service abroad to participate.
In a bid to enhance the inclusion of women in politics, Jega suggested that electoral law mandates up to 35% of elective positions in parliament and all political parties’ candidate lists to be reserved for women.
