In a significant step towards strengthening Nigeria’s electoral process, the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) has presented a comprehensive Citizens’ Memorandum on Electoral Reforms.
This document outlines 37 key recommendations, which aims to address long-standing challenges in the country’s electoral framework and restore public confidence.
These coalitions include: the Centre for Media and Society, (CEMESO); the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, (CISLAC); Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa, (CAPPA); ElectHER; the International Press Centre (IPC), and the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, (IDEA).
Others include the Justice, Development, and Peace Makers Centre (JDPMC), Osogbo; Justice Development and Peace Movement (JDPM), Oyo; Justice Development and Peace Initiative (JDPI), Ekiti; The Kukah Centre, Nigeria Women’s Trust Fund (NWTF); Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC); SOS Children’s Villages (SOS); TAF Africa and Yiaga Africa.
Speaking at the event, the Coalition noted that the memorandum draws on insights from the 2023 general elections and feedback from domestic and international observers.
The Memorandum is divided into two parts; the first offers 21 recommendations for altering the 1999 Constitution (as amended), including measures to enhance the independence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The second part outlines 16 proposals to amend the Electoral Act 2022, which aims to improve processes such as voter registration, result transmission, and inclusivity.
One of the Memorandum’s primary goals is to safeguard INEC’s autonomy. The document calls for a review of the appointment process for INEC officials, stressing the need for professionalisation and transparency. This would ensure that the Commission can operate impartially, thereby fostering free and fair elections.
Also, the Citizens’ Memorandum proposed the unbundling of INEC, suggesting the creation of an Electoral Offences Commission in order to handle electoral malpractices, thus allowing INEC to focus solely on election administration. Among the recommendations for amending the Electoral Act are provisions for the compulsory electronic transmission of election results.
If adopted, the proposed reforms will bring about a more credible electoral process, reduce the influence of political interference, and ensure that every vote truly counts.
