The Senate has taken a significant step towards ensuring the independence of local government elections with the passage of a bill for the establishment of the National Independent Local Government Electoral Commission (NILGEC).
The bill, which scaled first reading on Wednesday, seeks to create an independent body responsible for conducting elections for the 774 local governments in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The proposed NILGEC will consist of a chairperson and six commissioners, appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. The chairperson and commissioners will serve for a term of five years, renewable once.
The commission will operate independently, free from external influence and interference, and will have its budget approved by the National Assembly to ensure financial independence.
The bill also stipulates that NILGEC will develop and implement procedures for voter registration, candidate nomination, and the conduct of elections.
The commission will ensure the provision of necessary electoral materials and logistics for the smooth conduct of elections.
Additionally, NILGEC will announce the election schedule at least six months before the date of the election, and elections for the offices of Local Government Chairman and Councillors will be conducted every four years.
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The bill also defines and enforces penalties for electoral offences, including voter fraud, ballot stuffing, and electoral violence.
The commission will have the power to investigate and prosecute electoral offences. The bill will come into effect upon its passage by the National Assembly and assent by the President.
This development comes barely a week after the Supreme Court granted autonomy to local governments.
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