Press Statement For The Public Presentation Of The Citizens’ Memorandum On Electoral Reforms

Protocol

Ladies and Gentlemen of the Press, Election Stakeholders, and Fellow Nigerians.

Introduction

It is my honor to welcome you all to this significant occasion—the public presentation of the Citizens Memorandum for Electoral Reforms. Today, we stand at a crucial juncture in our country’s democratic journey, a moment when we must collectively reassess and reimagine the legal frameworks governing our electoral process. The proposals encapsulated in this Memorandum stem from a comprehensive analysis of the pressing challenges that have plagued our electoral system for too long. They are the product of extensive research, input from key stakeholders, and, importantly, the reflections drawn from our experiences during the 2023 general elections. We have also incorporated valuable recommendations from domestic and international election observers, who have called attention to areas requiring urgent reform if we are to restore public trust in our democratic institutions.

As the National Assembly embarks on yet another round of electoral reforms, we present this Citizens Memorandum for Electoral Reforms as a crucial resource, which serves as a roadmap designed to guide lawmakers and all election stakeholders through priority areas in need of immediate attention. These amendments are strategic in their scope and ambitious in their vision, yet they are also rooted in practicality, responding to the realities of our current electoral system. 

The memorandum we present today focuses on three core pillars of the electoral legal framework for the conduct of elections: the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, the Electoral Act 2022, and INEC Regulations and Guidelines for Elections. Our recommendations have been carefully divided into two parts: Part I offers twenty-one (21) recommendations for constitution alterations. These proposals aim to strengthen the independence of INEC, improve the processes for electoral adjudication, and refine key constitutional provisions to ensure fairness, transparency, and inclusivity in our electoral process. Part II presents sixteen (16) proposals for amending the Electoral Act 2022. These proposals address the inadequacies, complexities, and ambiguities that have hindered the efficient application of the Act. Our aim is to reposition the electoral legal framework against the backdrop of recent landmark judicial decisions that offer pathways for reform and to make the Act more reflective of our evolving electoral needs.

Priority Areas of Reform

1. INEC Independence, efficiency and professionalism
2. Unbundling of INEC
3. Electoral offences
4. Election adjudication
5. Diaspora or Out-of-Country voting
6. Special Seats 
7. Political party reform
8. Constituency delimitation
9. Voter accreditation
10. Voter Register and voter registration
11. Women, youths and PWDs political participation (Inclusivity)
12. Early voting
13. Candidate Selection
14. Electoral technology
15. Result management process
16. Media and elections

Constitution Alteration Proposals

Proposals for the alteration of the Constitution are tailored towards achieving improved independence and professionalism of the Independent National Electoral Commission and the State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs) to ensure credible elections and inspire public trust in the electoral process. Consequently, this Memorandum seeks a review of the process of appointments into INEC; professionalization of INEC appointments; introduction of timelines for INEC appointments; a review of the mode of appointments into SIEC; introduction of timelines for appointment in SIECs; strengthening the criteria for membership of SIECs; safeguarding the operational autonomy of SIECs; a review of the appointment and discipline of Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs); strengthening the financial autonomy of SIECs; redefining the power and functions of SIECs; unbundling the INEC; establishment of an Electoral Offences Commission; and limiting the exercise of the power of nolle prosequi by the Attorney General, among others.

Electoral Act Amendment Proposals

The proposals for the reform of the Electoral Act are carefully articulated to achieve the objectives of increasing citizens’ engagement through improved voter and civic education; improving the integrity of the voter register and voter verification; protecting voting rights and inclusiveness of elections; improving the quality of candidate selection; safeguarding the use of electoral technologies to ensure election integrity; and facilitating equal access to media during elections. 

Notable among the recommendations are:

1. reviewing the requirements for voter identification by permitting the use of other legally acceptable means of identification for voter verification in addition to the already produced Permanent Voters’ Card (PVCs);
2. undertaking a transparent and comprehensive independent audit of the voter register to eliminate duplications, multiple registrants and ineligible voters to enhance the credibility of the voter register.
3. introduction of early voting for eligible voters on essential election duties such as security personnel, INEC staff, election observers, journalists etc. 
4. introduction of sanctions for non-compliance with party register and delegate list submission;
5. compulsory electronic transmission of results;
6. Introduction of legal timelines for testing and mock exercise of electoral technologies;
7. Discounted airtime/advert rates for marginalized groups; and
8. Limiting liability for breach of deadline for media campaigns to media organizations

In total, the Citizens’ Memorandum contains thirty-seven (37) recommendations, organized under fifteen (15) strategic objectives and covering fifteen priority reform areas as earlier itemised. These reforms aim to achieve a more credible, transparent, and accountable electoral process—one that serves the best interests of all Nigerians and fosters a democratic culture where every vote counts.

It is important to note that the Memorandum also aligns with the INEC Memorandum for Administrative Reform, which separately outlines key areas for reviewing INEC’s regulations and guidelines to ensure they are responsive to our electoral needs.

Significance of the Memorandum

Electoral reforms as proposed in the Citizens Memorandum, will play a vital role in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy by addressing various challenges and gaps in the electoral process. The key areas of significance are:

1. Enhancing Electoral Transparency and Credibility

The proposed reform will ensure that election outcomes genuinely reflect the will of the people. The reforms will eliminate ambiguities in the Electoral Act 2022 and align the legal framework with landmark judicial rulings. By introducing clearer procedures for results transmission, and the role of technology, the reforms will reduce the chances of electoral fraud and irregularities.

2. Strengthening the Independence of INEC

The autonomy of INEC will be reinforced, thereby protecting the Commission from political interference. The proposed constitution alterations will enhance INEC’s operational independence. This would empower INEC to act impartially and ensure that its decisions are not influenced by external pressure, ensuring free and fair elections.

3. Strengthening electoral offences prosecution 

By unbundling INEC and establishing the National Offences Commission, electoral offenders will be effectively prosecuted. This will address the current challenges militating against such prosecutions as the Commission is already overburdened by election administration and a plethora of litigations arising from pre-election and election disputes. By the proposed reform, electoral offenders will be effectively prosecuted for improved electoral justice dispensation.     

4. Promoting Inclusive Participation

All Nigerians, including marginalized groups, can fully participate in the electoral process. The reforms will promote the inclusion of women, youth, and people with disabilities in the political process.  

5. Adapting to Technological Advancements

The reforms emphasize the need for a robust legal backing for the use of technology in elections, such as mandatory electronic transmission of election results. By doing so, the electoral process will become faster, more accurate, and less susceptible to tampering.

6. Strengthening Voter Confidence and Trust

By addressing the gaps in transparency, efficiency, and fairness, these reforms will inspire greater confidence in the electoral system. Citizens are more likely to participate in elections when they trust that their votes will count and that the process is free from manipulation or undue influence.

7. Enhancing Civic Engagement

The reforms will deepen citizens’ involvement in electoral reforms and governance. The reform  process itself involves input from civil society, political stakeholders, and international observers, reflecting a broader participatory approach to governance. This inclusion of diverse voices can lead to greater public engagement, awareness, and accountability in the democratic process.

Conclusion

These electoral reforms are designed to restore integrity, enhance efficiency, and ensure inclusivity in Nigeria’s electoral process, paving the way for more credible, fair, and democratic elections that will strengthen the nation’s political institutions and democratic culture. 

We are confident that the adoption of these reforms will go a long way in rebuilding public trust in Nigeria’s electoral process, enhancing the efficiency of our elections, and ensuring that the outcomes of elections reflect the true will of the people. 

On behalf of all the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations, we express our deepest appreciation to the National Assembly, INEC, civil society organizations, political parties, and other key stakeholders for their continued commitment to electoral reform in Nigeria. We also extend our gratitude to the press for your role in bringing these conversations to the forefront of public discourse. 

Thank you all for your presence here today. We look forward to fruitful discussions as we continue to work together to shape the future of Nigeria’s democracy.

Thank you. 

Signed. 

1. Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO) 
2. Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC)
3. Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA).
4. ElectHER
5. International Press Centre (IPC)
6. International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA)
7. Justice, Development and Peace Makers Centre (JDPMC), Osogbo
8. Justice Development and Peace Movement (JDPM), Oyo
9. Justice Development and Peace Initiative (JDPI), Ekiti
10. The Kukah Centre
11. Nigeria Women’s Trust Fund (NWTF) 
12. Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC)
13. SOS Children’s Villages (SOS) 
14. TAF Africa
15. Yiaga Africa