*Say instead, SIECOMS should be strengthened
By; JACOB ONJEWU DICKSON
Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), led by Partnership for Issues-based Campaign in Nigeria (PICAN) and other partners, has given strong reasons why the State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECOMs) should not be scrapped.
This was expressed in a statement jointly signed by Laurence Obeweh (Founder/National Coordinator, ReSET Nigeria), Bako Abdul (National President, Campaign for Democracy), Stephen Waya (Convener, Coalition of Associations for Leadership, Peace, Empowerment and Development, CALPED) and Yusuf Ishaku Goje (Founding Partner, Partnership for Issues-based Campaign in Nigeria, PICAN), made available to our correspondent on Monday September 2, 2024.
The CSOs also strongly frowned at the position on the reversal to manual voting by Kaduna State Independent Electoral Commission (KAD-SIECOM).
“We, the undersigned, after reviewing the state of our nation and recent developments in our polity, are compelled to issue this press statement to state as follows:
“We express deep concerns over the proposed scrapping of the State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECOMs) and the plans to centralize local government elections either under a new centralized body at the Federal level or the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as being proposed. This move, though understandable, is contradictory to the principles of true and fiscal federalism and meaningful electoral reform, and will likely further erode citizens’ trust and confidence in the electoral process,” the statement said.
According to the CSOs, “the Justice Uwais Report on Electoral Reform, which recommended the unbundling of INEC, is a testament to this assertion, for decentralized and specialized institutions to manage different aspects of the electoral process.
“Adding local government elections to INEC’s, already overwhelming responsibilities, or any new institution would be a recipe for further political instability. Upon deeper reflection, we realized that everything we are afraid of about SIECOMs is what we have accused INEC of and will likely be replicated even in a new Commission,” they argued.
The CSOs further argued that they should be given example of one election that INEC has conducted that the credibility was not questioned.
“Nonetheless, even some of the improvements we have witnessed in INEC is the result of system strengthening reforms demanded by stakeholders. Same should be done to progressively strengthen SIECOMs and not scrap it.
“We expect is to see are laws that remove the discretionary powers of the Governors to appoint the Chairperson and members of the SIECOMs. Applications should be open and competitive. Similarly, the Commission’s budget should be first line charge. Without conceding, even if a new Commission is going to be created, it should not be given powers to conduct or directly interfere with or determine outcomes of local government elections but rather supervise SIECOMs’ adherence to timelines, laws, guidelines and standards of free, fair and credible elections.
“Disturbingly, we are further concerned that the Federal government cannot in one breath say it is implementing the Oransanya report, which had recommended the downsizing and streamlining of Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs), while at the same time trying to create new institutions. We therefore say no to the culture and approach of duplicating institutions rather than reforming and strengthening existing system towards better performance and results delivery.
“While we congratulate the Federal Government and Nigerians over the Supreme Court judgment on Local Government Financial Autonomy. We hereby reiterate our call on the Federal Government and National Assembly to leverage the constitution amendment process to strengthen SIECOMs by ensuring their financial autonomy and operational independence. As this is crucial for conducting free, fair, and credible local government elections that reflect the popular will of the people”.
Commenting on Kaduna State, they commended the Governor, Senator Uba Sani, and the State Assembly for screening and appointing experienced individuals, from their profiles, to lead the Kaduna State Independent Electoral Commission (KADSIECOM).
They pointed out that, the Chairperson and Permanent Commissioners of the Commission in a recent dialogue with civil society groups made commitments to organize credible elections.
They therefore, called on the residents of the state, while being vigilante, to give the Commission the benefit of doubt and support it, charged the Commission to justify their cautious optimism by conducting an election that will engrave their names in history.
“We are however, aware that this cannot be achieved without the enabling environment.
“Therefore, we stress the need for the State government to ensure adequate and timely cash-backed budget releases and operational independence to enable the Commission to discharge its duties effectively.
“We also urge the Commission to remain steadfast and resolute in its neutrality and independence, and call on those intending to put pressure on it to compromise or manipulate the forthcoming local government elections to refrain from doing so.
“Equally important, while we acknowledge the circumstances and justification behind the jettisoning of the use of electronic voting: due to creation of new polling units, high cost of procuring new electronic voting machines largely due to exchange rate, the shortage of time to upgrade the software of available machines and the need to ensure no vacuum for the appointment of interim management committee but achieve transition from one elected council to another.
“We, however, call on the Commission and stakeholders to ensure that all necessary steps are put in place to checkmate ballot box snatching, stuffing and writing of results. Going forward, preparation should start early and in subsequent amendments of the KAD-SIECOM law, we recommend that the State Assembly and Commission reintroduce electronic voting as an optional feature, to be jettison only in exceptional circumstances like we find ourselves now. This is to facilitate a seamless transition to full technology-driven elections in the future, which is inevitable.
“We are also worried about the disturbing issue of absence of internal democracy in political parties as witnessed in the resent primaries of most of the political parties in the state. This remains a huge challenge in our electoral process, as it throws up the most loyal to godfathers as against the most competent based on popular support. KAD-SIECOM going forward should not shy away from wielding the big stick on political parties that compromise internal party democracy. Similarly, in line with the amended law, parties or politicians that promote or engage in violence or vote-buying should also not be spared,” they warned.
They urged all stakeholders, including civil society organizations, community leaders, and eligible voters, to actively participate in the forthcoming local government electoral process, engage in massive voter education, observe and report on the election, and demand accountability from KAD-SIECOM.
“PICAN and partners are already engaged in voter education, are preparing to observe the local government elections, ensure vulnerable groups are not disenfranchised, and campaign for peaceful elections.
“Let us work together to strengthen our democratic institutions rather than duplicating them and ensure credible local government elections that truly represent the voice of the people,” the statement said.
