The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has expressed its capability and willingness to conduct local government elections if given the responsibility by law. The INEC chief conveyed this readiness during his appearance before a Joint National Assembly Committee on Electoral Matters, where he presented the budget for the Ondo and Edo off-cycle elections on Thursday.
Current Role of State Electoral Commissions
Presently, state electoral commissions are responsible for conducting local government elections within their states. However, a recurring issue is the dominance of the ruling party in securing local government chairmanship positions, a situation strongly opposed by opposition parties within the states. With the Supreme Court’s ruling granting financial autonomy to local government councils, it has become increasingly crucial to consider removing this power from the states to better protect the interests of local governments.
INEC’s Capability and Legal Amendments
INEC, which currently manages elections for all national and state government positions, stated that it can efficiently conduct elections across the 774 local government areas with amendments to certain provisions of the electoral laws. Nevertheless, the INEC chief raised concerns about funding for by-elections in the country.
Technological Improvements for Upcoming Elections
Regarding the September 21, 2024, Edo governorship poll and the November 16, 2024, Ondo governorship election, the INEC chairman urged Nigerians to acknowledge the significant technological advancements made by the commission. He assured that issues like the frequent malfunctions of the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal, which plagued the 2023 presidential election, have been addressed, and the commission has learned from past experiences.
Call for Electoral Offenders Bill
Mr. Mahmood also appealed to lawmakers to expedite the passage of the Electoral Offenders Bill in the current Assembly. This bill would empower INEC with the authority and resources to arrest, thoroughly investigate electoral offenses, and mitigate electoral malfeasance, thereby strengthening the integrity of the electoral process.
