•Send memo to NASS, demand adoption of electronic voting
From Romanus Ugwu, Abuja
Pro-democracy activists have sent a memorandum to the National Assembly demanding stoppage of the incumbent president appointing chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and National Commissioners.
The activists under the auspices of African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development (Centre LSD) and Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA) made the disclosure at a presentation of policy briefs and memoranda in Abuja yesterday.
Making their demands under the presentation titled, ‘Memo on appointment criteria for INEC Chairman and Commissioners,’ the forum suggested a composition of independent panel membership of eight institutions to screen and nominate three persons for the selection and approval of one person by the President and National Assembly.
The forum further recommended that a nominee from the National Judicial Council (NJC) should be the chairman of the screening committee, the nominee from the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), preferably the President should be the co-chairman.
Other members to complete the composition as members, according to their recommendations, include the President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), while the Secretary of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) will serve as the committee’s secretary
“After a thorough and careful review of the electoral reform proposal by the National Assembly, we humbly draw attention to the ongoing debate surrounding the appointment of the INEC leadership, which necessitates urgent electoral reform.
“As the country faces challenges related to political inequity, voter engagement and the integrity of electoral processes, the manner in which leaders are appointed to oversee these mechanisms has become critically important.
“Concerns about transparency, neutrality and potential political influence dominate discussions, with critics asserting that the appointment process is frequently marred by political manipulation, which undermines the commission’s independence and erodes public trust.
“As Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s tenure draws to a close later this year after serving two terms in office, making him ineligible for reappointment, the ongoing discussions regarding his successor have sparked renewed calls for comprehensive electoral reforms.
“Central to these discussions is the need for reforms that strengthen the integrity of the electoral system through systemic changes. This includes addressing how the leadership of the INEC is appointed, ensuring that the selection process is transparent, merit-based and free from political influence.
“The appointment process for INEC leadership remains questionable. This proposal advocates for the establishment of an independent body that will be responsible for selecting a set of candidates for INEC leadership to the President, who in turn nominates one from the set to enhance the credibility, transparency and public trust in the electoral landscape,” the forum noted.
Enumerating the qualities the electoral umpire boss must possess, the forum noted that, “INEC leadership criteria should be explicitly stated in the Third Schedule of the Constitution of Nigeria or relevant sections. Key qualifications should include a strong academic foundation, in addition to relevant experience in governance, law, or public service and a proven leadership ability, demonstrated through past roles or positions.”
The activists also recommend electronic voting and single day voting to discourage the wastage associated with printing of ballot papers, running into billions of Naira.