CSOs ask n’assembly to make electronic transmission of election results mandatory

A group of civil society organisations (CSOs) has asked the national assembly to make electronic transmission of election results mandatory.

In a communique issued after the national multi-stakeholder forum on electoral reform held on September 30, the CSOs asked the national assembly to accelerate the ongoing electoral reform process and conclude it by December.

The forum, hosted by the Youth Electoral Reform Project (YERP-Naija), was aimed at strengthening electoral stakeholders’ consensus reform proposals to improve Nigeria’s electoral process.

The CSOs said credible elections are an irreplaceable component and a significant characteristic of a healthy democracy.

“Public confidence in the electoral process remains low due to widespread dissatisfaction with the process of recent elections in the country,” the communiqué reads.

“The national assembly, state houses of assembly and the president should pass and sign into law constitutional alteration bills with reform proposals that will improve credibility and build citizens’ trust in the electoral process, especially amendment of the constitution to transfer the president’s power to appoint the INEC chairman from the president to an independent and non-partisan committee. Conclusion of pre- and post-election petitions before winners are sworn into office for equity, justice and fairness.”

The CSOs demanded an amendment of the constitution to allow independent candidacy, noting that it would make the electoral process more inclusive.

They called for the removal of sections that empower the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register and regulate political parties.

In place of those sections, the CSOs recommended the transfer of that responsibility to a new political party registration and regulatory commission to be established by the national assembly.

The coalition also sought the reduction of the minimum age qualification for contesting senate and governorship elections from 35 years to 30 years, to boost youth involvement in governance.

In addition, CSOs called for the introduction of reserved special seats for women in the legislature to promote inclusion, equity, and fairness in the electoral process.

“ [There should be] an amendment of the 2022 Electoral Act to make the electronic transmission of election results for collation mandatory to deter electoral fraud,” they said.

“Establishment of an Electoral Offences Commission to take over INEC’s power to prosecute electoral offences. The Electoral Act should be amended to facilitate early voting. Amendment of the Electoral Act to allow for diaspora voting.”

The executive directors of YERP-Naija partner organisations, Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI) (North-central/national partner), The New Generation Girls and Women Development Initiative (NIGAWD) (South-west partner); Child Protection and Peer Learning Initiative (CPPLI) (North-east partner), Catch Them Young Community Initiative (CATYCOI) (South- east partner), JESZ Development Foundation (J-DEV) (North-west partner), Connected Advocacy (South-south partner) attended the event.

Other participants included representatives of student unions, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), the Organisation of People with Disabilities (OPDs), media organisations, activists and social media influencers.