The recent stakeholders’ meeting focused on electoral reforms in preparation for the 2023 general elections has ignited strong debates, underscoring the pressing need for significant changes. Participants voiced dissatisfaction with the current processes and urged for prompt action to fortify Nigeria’s electoral system.
An essential point raised by stakeholders emphasized the importance of promptly finalizing the amendment of the Electoral Law and the Constitution well ahead of the upcoming general election. This would facilitate public comprehension of the proposed revisions and ensure their effective implementation and compliance. Constitutional and electoral reforms were identified as crucial national priorities that demand immediate attention.
Among the groundbreaking suggestions put forth during the meeting was the establishment of a specialized elections committee comprising non-partisan individuals of impeccable integrity. This committee would be tasked with appointing the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the INEC National and Resident Commissioners, aiming to enhance the independence of the electoral supervisory body.
Stakeholders underscored the significance of resolving all pre-election disputes before the elections and post-election disputes before the inauguration of elected officials. Additionally, they advocated for regular audits of the National Register of Voters and real-time transmission of polling station results through a dedicated portal accessible to the public—crucial proposals slated for inclusion in the Electoral Law amendment.
To bolster the efficiency of electoral reforms, stakeholders recommended the division of INEC by establishing a National Electoral Offenses Commission empowered to prosecute violators of electoral laws. Moreover, they called for augmenting the role and reach of the National Outreach Agency to mobilize citizens for the forthcoming elections through enhanced voter awareness initiatives.
Furthermore, stakeholders stressed the imperative of actively engaging young Nigerians and all civil society stakeholders in the electoral process, starting from the ongoing constitutional and electoral reviews. This strategy aims to ensure the democratic and inclusive involvement of all segments of society in the nation’s political landscape.
Organized by the Kimpact Development Initiative with support from the National Democratic Institute and the National Fund for Democracy, the forum brought together a diverse array of organizations, including the Youth Electoral Reform Project, the Nigerian Youth Parliament, the National Association of Nigerian Students, political party representatives, the All-Party Advisory Council, and the United Political Parties Conference.
The challenges confronting Nigeria’s electoral process demand attention. The recommendations arising from this forum reflect stakeholders’ commitment to fostering free, fair, and transparent elections. It is now incumbent upon authorities to translate these proposals into tangible actions to fortify democracy and governance in Nigeria.
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